Technician apprentice Review

Day to day i am expected to help my department with planned maintenance activities as well as breakdowns. Planned maintenance activities include greasing, filter changes, overhauls etc. I am also required to plan in or balance college work around this, by having time completing jobs, taking photos and writing up reports.

I have learnt lots of new skills on the apprenticeship, problem solving has come on well and have learnt some valuable tools along the way. I have learnt welding, lathe and milling, which i have been able to use on site. I have also got better with my hands on ability in terms on maintenance and engineering.

I think the experience has been enjoyable, there have been aspects which haven't been planned properly or things that haven't gone to plan which have affected the experience but because they have managed to move us around departments you get a wide range of experience which is good fun and seeing how different departments work.

I think due to covid it has impacted how well structured the apprenticeship is, our college blocks have changed quite a lot over the first few years and there have been moments where we haven't been sure what we are doing or have tried to rush us. I think they are getting on top of it now and each year it seems to be better planned so hopefully we are on the up.

I think there are quite alot of contacts or people to reach out to in nestle that are there for support, especially now we are more settled in the job i feel like you arent as afraid to ask for it and they will offer support where needed so i do believe there is a healthy support network.

I guess it totally depends on the teachers we receive when at college, some show a lot of support, some have a more old school approach which i don't think is necessarily wrong but they are not always as supportive as others. However sometimes we can go a long time without hearing anything from our training providers and you feel left in the dark or that you aren't actually sure what you need to do.

I believe the skills we acquire from college are useful in our role and help us perform better because we develop a more in-depth knowledge of certain aspects of engineering over the course of our apprenticeship. Without that i don't believe we would fully understand the why even if we might know the how.

I'm not entirely sure, i haven't been particularly introduced to anything, i know we have Christmas parties and occasional social gatherings and some people play golf at times but nothing particular that is set on a regular occurrence. Not that i am aware of anyway. They do events every now and again depending on certain times of the year such as mental health week where they organised a whole week of activities which was good however was in work hours and you arent always able to attend.

Yes

To me its a no brainier, there have been little hiccups however the overall apprenticeship, knowledge and experienced gained is worth the 4 years, you will have all the tools you need to be a successful engineer. It seems like progression opportunities are always available, they look after you, its good pay so would deffo recommend.

Be transparent and honest. Be yourself and let them see that side and that you're not just a robot applying for a role. Be flexible to change and ask questions, dont be afraid to ask for help or dont be afraid to ask what is expected from you, enjoy the process and you will come out with a good job at the end of it.