Nuclear Engineering Degree Apprentice Review

My day to day role currently consists of working within one of the teams within EDF energy. Currently I am in a team looking at the technicalities of Hinkley Point C, so am exposed to a lot of documents about the site, which I am trusted to work on. My current interactions are all from home using meetings and skype calls, due to COVID. I would normally be in an office whilst being in this team.

Since being with the company, I have learnt an array of skills. My communication skills have improved, as well as using software such as excel and word. I have developed my ability to use my own initiative and to plan a solution to a problem, and follow this plan through, to find the solution.

I enjoy my program a lot. I am great friends with the other apprentices in my year and we talk daily. The college blocks I have been in were engaging, with the staff and lecturers always providing support. The whole company through EDF Energy are supporting and understanding, especially in these times of COVID-19. I am well looked after as an apprentice, and therefore I work hard to give back to the company.

The structure of the program is good. The first 10 or so months is a large college block, which ensures all of the apprentices reach the same ability and level of knowledge, due to their different backgrounds. After the block, the apprentices are put into 6 different teams within the company for 6 months at a time, whilst also having 3 short college blocks a year, to continue with the degree level work. We are exposed to the company and its working scheme early, so that we know the working culture early.

I receive a great amount of support from my employer. I always have a manager i can talk to about anything, as well as the staff at the National College for Nuclear. They are always happy to listen. Also, as I am doing the degree through UWE, we have access to their support schemes, such as their online library database, and library on campus. There is an apprentice hub at Hinkley Point C, where I can go to and receive support if needed.

I receive such a large amount of support from my training provider. Personally, I struggled with the college block and understanding the work at the beginning, due to my background previously. The lecturers provided me with all the support I needed and more to ensure I didn't just pass my tests, but understood what was being asked, so that I could keep the knowledge for the future.

Whilst being on a college block, certain aspects that all related back to a Nuclear power plant are taught and learnt. Going from college to working within the company, I always see things I have learnt in college, within my placement. Understanding the Nuclear Power Plant is key, and that is the main teaching point. And when going back and forth, you see what you have learnt when you go back to working within the company. For confidentiality, i will not reveal the current task i am carrying out, but my understanding of it and its background is largely due to the teaching at college.

As myself and the other apprentices are enrolled at the National College for Nuclear, we are Bridgwater and Taunton college students, due to Bridgwater and Taunton college owning the NCFN. Because of this, It means that we have a large variety of activities we can participate in if we choose to. At the NCFN, there is also a gym and football pitches, for exercise and activity. Unfortunately, as we are EDF employees, we are contracted to certain hours in a day, which is expected. A lot of the activities happening at Bridgwater and Taunton college collide with our lecturers and lessons. Although this is one fault, as we are also EDF employees, we are apart of team HPC. This team is the main team working on HPC, but they also have sports teams and other facilities available where needed.

Yes

I already have and this friend is on the same scheme as myself, just in the year below. I cannot recommend this company enough. I have enjoyed my time so much so far that I keep saying it does not feel like a job, and that being paid is a benefit. The opportunities working with this company provide you with are endless, as well as job opportunities, such as Hinkley Point C and potentially Sizewell C. I have family friends who have been with this company for years who have recommended it, as not only do they care for their newer staff, they also care for their more experienced staff.

When applying for my role, it is not expected that you should know the insides and outs of a Nuclear Power Station, as you will learn this. It would be good to know the basics and schematic, but you do not need to know everything straight away. I would also recommend to keep persevering if you do not get a place the first time. I got into EDF on my third attempt (I applied for two previous schemes in the two previous years) and it worked out better for me in the long run, as i got onto the Degree Apprenticeship. Understand that as a company, our overriding priority is safety.