Maintainence Engineer Review

Fixing and maintaining manufacturing machines, services and processes for the production of soft drinks. This involves attending breakdowns during production runs, fault finding the current issue and correcting it as fast as possible to minimise downtime. The role includes schedule maintenance spilt into weekly/monthly tasks and also a Annual Planned Maintenance which involves full shut down of a machine for a full overhaul.

Having worked for Britvic prior to the course for 5 years I had a strong working knowledge of the factory. This course has let me further my knowledge on a mechanical level of how the machines work, a deep understanding of how each part works and how to fix/maintain different sections of the machine. I have learnt from knew the logic and theory of how electrical systems work, how they are controlled through PLC's and how to read and fault find using the PLC programming code.

Working for Britvic is brilliant, the company uphold a strong level of working together both engineers and operators. I have found every person on site to be very helpful, honest and approachable. The onsite learning has exceeded my expectations, this is due to the open balance given to me as an employee, the time given to complete work while the constant opportunity to further me skills on day to day tasks.

The program is well structured, allowing the trainee to focus on separate units throughout the year. This is an enjoyable approach as it keeps the learning flowing with change, helping maintain a strong interest in what is being taught. Both the college and work offer routine meetings to set and review targets through both face to face and online methods. I feel I have complete understanding of what is expected of me and what is to come throughout the course.

We have a good level of meetings with both college tutors and on site mentors to ensure we are ok and on target. On site I have a specific mentor as well as having routine time spent off line to complete work. I am able to speak with past apprentices as well as engineers who have working in the business for 20+ years.

The training provider (South Essex College) work very hard in keeping us update with information. They have several ways for us to access support, all learning material and course work is found online. This has proven to be a great advance allowing me to access everything I need from home, work or college. The routine meetings with tutors are very useful, we set and review targets periodically to ensure we are on track. I found these methods to be very useful and helpful throughout the previous 2 years.

I believe the balance of one day college and four days onsite learning is a very good balance, it allows us to learn knew information each week then head back to the factory and put this into to practice. having a day each week at college also allows us to access the college library as well as the chance to speak to tutors to get any needed help for current work or projects. This then allows me to focus more on the onsite learning which in turn helps me progress quicker and preform better within the role at work.

Yes, within Britvic Soft Drinks, there is a social activity group called the sports and social. They hold a range of different events throughout the year from 5 aside football to social events such as horse racing. Through Britvic's Yammer Site there are plenty of competitions, quizzes and social networking events held. As part of our contract, Britvic allows 3 days a year to be taken off for the use of voluntary work. This can be used in any means through any registered charity. The company will also gift a large number of drinks to any charity organised event you are involved in.

Yes

I would recommend Britvic to a friend for any role. The company is a fun, attentive and focused business. Offering great opportunities to advance within the firm and build on skills within all areas. For a large British based company they offer a number of great perks whilst still upholding a strong sense of a family run business within they way they manage and impact your day to day work life.

For anyone applying for a role within Britvic, specially the apprenticeship I would advice you to show focus and interest. Britvic are very passionate about their own brands, their core values and their further visions for the business. For anyone applying I would advice them to research this. Joining a company with such focus is great and this will allow you to get a real understanding of what is to come.