Apprentice Review

On a Monday I attend college where we study a number of different units. On every other day of the week I go to work in my section. Starting the day with a daily start up meeting. Then starting on the job training - once competent working alone. I start at 8 and finish at 3.

Developed a range of skills ranging from hand skills to IT skills and social skills. I get to meet a range of different people on site from managers to fitters and supervisors. Its great developing new skills and old skills and I enjoy getting to work hands on in my section.

I enjoy what I do day to day, the work to college ratio is great. I get great job satisfaction out of what I do. Although it is difficult to see any progression out of the section. Getting to meet a range of people and getting to work on such interesting pieces of kit is what I enjoy the most.

The program is well structured, however due to covid-19 we have not worked to the program as we should have. There is a great apprentice mentor program meaning if we require any help it is there. Misinformation is the only thing that lets it down, getting information from work - then getting different information from different people.

The support I get from my section is great, anything that I want to discuss I feel as if I can do that. However if there is anything else that I feel that I cannot discuss with them, I know that there are other channels which I can get support through

The support from our training provider has been better than I could have expected, this is for the BTEC side of the course. However as for NVQ it has been difficult to discuss the qualification due to studying such a specialist subject. The support given could have been better from the training provider.

I feel that the qualification gives me a great background knowledge on the subject. On a day to day basis it has been useful as it means that I have read the technical instructions in more detail than I ever would have done if I was just carrying out the task.

Due to covid-19 this has not been possible. However Prior to this it was possible to join the gym through work. As a section prior to covid they would socialise together from time to time working on team bonding for example. Although due to covid I have not been able to experience this.

Yes

It is a great company to work for. Getting to work and attend college has been a good way for me to gain my qualifications and to progress in the work place. Mixing with different people and gaining experience. Getting to work with such knowledgeable people has been great.

- go for it, make sure that you make the most of your time as an apprentice as it does not last long. - ensure that your workplace knows of your aspirations in life so that they are able to help you reach where you want to go. There are many opportunities within the company that you may not know about until you ask.