Science Manufacturing Technician Apprentice Review

My role is the Science Manufacturing Technician Apprentice, I am training to be a process operator. This role consists of managing the process side of producing herbicides and insecticides. On a day to day basis, the job may consist of isolating valves and pipelines and watching over vessels for when to start the next section of the batch being produced.

I have definitely developed some new skills while working at Syngenta. I have built on my teamwork skills and have developed my skills in terms of inside the workplace. I have learned how to operate some simple pieces of equipment and learned how some processes are operated. I am still developing skills and am sure I will continue to for the rest of my apprenticeship.

I personally really enjoy the programme I am enrolled on. We are offered lots on benefits which are really helpful and have a good support system in place. Our programme lets us see how a plant works from the beginning which means we get a lot of experience from day 1 which makes it much more enjoyable.

Our structure I think is very organised, we have a very organised structure for our 3 year span in our apprenticeship. Our managers have set plans for us meaning we are never confused about our plan and what we have to do. The only time organisation is ever really an issue is when communication can sometimes lack with the training provider.

I think we receive a lot of support from our employer. We have online systems which show us a lot of option for help if we were to ever need it. Our managers are always available to talk to and always make time for us. While at the workplace I feel supported and valued.

I think we do receive adequate support from our providers, although sometimes communication with them is slightly difficult due to the locations and the slowness with responds to queries through emails. I think that if these were to be improved I would feel much more supported, overall though I do feel mostly supported.

I think that the qualification we receive is very useful, the 0610 course helps us understand the science behind the process and also a good understanding of the equipment we will be using. It helps us improve our knowledge in our role and familiarises us with things we may see day to day.

There are often events held by Syngenta, they provide lots of webinars about many different events and they also offer a lot in terms of apprentices, so far I have been on 1 residential trip with Syngenta and we are planned to go on another in July, as a company they are very keen to help us socialise with each other.

Yes

I think Syngenta is a great company, there are many benefits at hand for employees to choose, these may be financial benefits, vehicle benefits or even medical benefits. The company and the people who work there are very welcoming and provide a nice environment to work in. The apprenticeship scheme is also well renowned for being top quality.

I would say that if you were to apply to Syngenta it would be beneficial to do your research first, they offer a wide range of job opportunities which are all suited to different kinds of people, my advice would be to read up on these jobs and decide what's best for you personally.