Technician Apprentice Review

Electrical engineering apprenticeship, working in Natwest data centre. Day to day tasks varies from carrying out scheduled maintenance on electrical and mechanical systems throughout the site, to replacing lights and installing things like sockets. We are expected to complete logbooks of some of these tasks to provide for our training provider EDETA and also do HNC in electrical engineering 2 days a week.

I have learned many new skills since starting this apprenticeship, as all things electrical were completely new to me with no prior experience. I have also developed some skills through college such as report writing, maths, Microsoft programmes on the computer and I can confidently wire up and install different electrical circuits.

Getting involved in the different jobs on site has been very enjoyable, but college is a bit more difficult as the work is hard and is difficult to pass. So far everything has been going well college wise without failing anything so hopefully that continues. The projects I have undertaken at work have been very enjoyabnle though.

From a training perspective it's very black and white as it doesn't change at all. Same goes with the college course as that is the same course taught every year. It's a bit different aat work as you don't do the same thing week in, week out but as long as the jobs keep coming our way then we have enough to pass the practical course through logbooks with EDETA, so it's structured well to pass.

We receive excellent support via the employer as they give us ample time to study for assessments in college and also give us enough time to write up the jobs we do in work for EDETA. If we want to do any jobs, then all we need to do is ask and they do their best to get that sorted for us.

EDETA doesn't really have much to do with college other than a check-up to see if we're passing and if we are not, then they pass this onto our workplace (which hasn't had to happen). as for the logbooks, we have bimonthly reviews where they give us feedback on the logbooks we complete.

By analysing and evaluating the work we do regularly through making logbooks and receiving feedback, we are constantly improving both our report writing and hand skills. at college the theory gives us a good understanding of some of the systems onsite by providing us with the "why" its required and "how" it works.

There's constantly emails being sent through about all sorts of actvities like training days, apprentice meetings, conferences, interviewing etc. there is also work nights out with some of the guys at work for a more social event. Some guys also set up 5 aside football to play after work also

Yes

Good place to work with good benefits, support and work environment. there is also lots of scope for moving up the ladder and progressing within your role at the job and to branch out to other sectors of the bank. The pay is good as well and they provide us with what we require for the job.

To be motivated, enthusiastic, hard working and apply to a field that interests you. It's important to try get a job that appeals to you and that you would enjoy as there are plenty different job roles within the bank, its probable theres a role somewhere that would interest you.