4th Year Electrical Apprentice Review

Day to day the role involves maintenance on all sizes of three phase motors, thrusters, and their sensors, over and under speed limits, proxy sensors, striker limits, cam limits. These motors are used on various systems in different configurations and with protection suiting the applications, so offers a broad base of knowledge if attention is payed to them.

Skills using hand tools Logical thinking from fault finding experience Mathematical knowledge from higher education opportunities Knowledge of electrical, gas, containment, and hazardous substances regulations Communication skills from conveying information to others Skills from college courses include, report writing in a professional manner, electronics knowledge, electrical knowledge, engineering science, hydraulic systems knowledge

I have had a great apprenticeship, learning and development have been far easier than I have experienced in school and socially everyone is treated the same, fairly and professionally. Mentoring on site from senior engineers means that you get to know everyone from all levels of engineering and craft, helping with familiarity and makes for a good working environment

The programme is well structured, NVQ and college work are given ample time for completion and development on site is continual throughout. Reviews from engineers allow for flexible structure of learning. Reviews from apprentice training in the academy help to keep on track with targets. College reviews help with progress though the nvq.

Support is available if needed and throughout the apprenticeship opportunities are continually raised for support with mental health and any issues inside or outside work that might affect you. College reviews are an example of this where there are opportunities to receive support. On site reviews can be used to raise any issues within the workplace also.

Support from the training provider is given in the form of formative feedback, given at set dates where progress is reviewed and any issues regarding work progress or completion can be raised, support with assignments is also given via Google classroom where lectures will post articles or information that are of use to the assignment.

I feel that the subjects I have studied in college help to understand systems such as AC and DC motor speed control, power distribution, plc programs, and electrical schematics. This helps as the day to day role of maintenance needs a working knowledge in order to understand when systems need adjustment or reviewing.

There are activities to participate in, these are available by responding to emails that are sent out. Often departments have their own activities such as football, cricket, and rugby. Social events are available though I have not participated in any company organised activities there are groups that attend them, as I have been attending informal social gatherings.

Yes

Because it is a plant that is continually developing there are many opportunities for learning, this knowledge is very useful. The social aspect of the role is very rewarding also as everyone is friendly. The role varies day to day so the job is interesting and does not get repetitive.

If you don’t have much experience with motor control such as direct on line starting and with transformer equations, read up on them nothing too complicated. Generally read up on the company and the through process of the site from the harbour to the mills as an understanding of these will help