Control and Instrumentation Review

My current role is to do onsite learning whilst working with experienced engineers. I also take part in educational courses organised by my work place or during my one day a week college course. I have a line manager who looks after me regarding my training and helps me with the organisation of my certification. As well as a onsite technical supervisor who gives me jobs that would be helpful towards my education.

Yes, I was unaware what a control and instrumentation engineer was before I took on this role now I am more than capable of analyzing electronic systems and carrying out other basic electronic testing and maintenance. A lot of work also goes into preparing me for life after my apprenticeship for example, explaining what is available to me and demonstrating what my work life will entail.

I have always enjoyed working at AWE, having worked in a previous role there on site as well. This apprenticeship has given me the potential to have a good career there and has given me very valuable skills. Everywhere I have worked so far on site is so helpful and friendly.

I think the apprenticeship is fairly well organised I think a lot of thought goes into the future of us as individuals and what potential we may have. My only concerns are based around the structure of the college course which has hindered me slightly. However giving each apprentice a laptop to carry out this work has been very beneficial.

I receive plenty of support should I ever need it. I know If I have a problem at college or outside of work AWE will do what they can to help me. I have been very fortunate to have had a team of people above me that do genuinely care if I have any concerns.

This is where I have had most of my problems. This is mostly due to the struggle to find instructors to teach a relatively modern course. There could do with being a lot more structure around the assignments and their due dates so that we know what is expected of us and when.

I have learnt a lot of theory elements that has combined well with the practical knowledge I have learned in my workplace. I feel that The theory we do learn at college does cover everything we actually need to learn to be successful at what we do. I sometimes feel that sometimes it is a little bit too electronics based and could have more work to with pressure and liquid based systems.

There are plenty of events available to us should we want them. There is an organisation that books and finds events for us to take part in. There is also a range of educational based seminars that we can go to during lunch breaks that are readily available for anyone to attend.

Yes

I feel that the apprenticeship scheme opens many doors for everyone of all ages genders and abilities. Its a truly unique experience that is hard to find. With the right levels of commitment to the job you can go really far working here. As one of the slightly older apprentices in my group I was slightly hesitant as I thought there was going to be a gap between me and some of the people who started that were very young. But everyone in our group gets on really well and I have made some good friends.

Be patient. The process for getting onto site takes a long time. As working here requires a security clearance. Make sure you truly read into the course you are applying to wants from you. Not only is this good for your interview but it means you are not shocked by the work that is given to you.