Engineering Apprentice Review

My role involves making sure that all the equipment on site is running to standard. This is achieved through completing planned maintenance activities, reacting to breakdowns to get production back up and running or carrying out condition based monitoring. The work is carried out as part of a team, so there is a lot of interaction between other members of the shift and departments within the engineering team.

I have learnt a lot of new skills and I have been able to develop existing skills I already possessed. New skills which have been learnt involve those such as understanding PLC systems and how the potential they have in automating operations. I now understand engineering drawings and how to read engineering data. I have also been able to work on my logical thinking skills so I can now fault find more efficiently and am able to go about solving problems in a logical manner. Working with other departments and teams has also helped to build my communication and interpersonal skills.

Taking the leap and starting this apprenticeship was the best decision I have made in my career. Every day feels like a different day; there is always something new to learn. I look forward to going to work as this programme has given me a real sense of accomplishment and I can see how my hard work is rewarded. As there is always something to learn, work has not become stale and monotonous which makes it really engaging and enjoyable.

The programme is very well organised and structured. The framework of the programme is laid out for you, but the body of the work has to come from yourself which makes it very fulfilling to do. MGTS are very good at making sure we stay on track from the visits we get from our TDA's. What is expected of us is clearly explained and from that I know what to expect in the months and years ahead.

I receive a lot of support from PepsiCo, both in terms of asking for work to be given and also time to complete college work I may have as well. One good thing about PepsiCo is that if you see an area which you want to gain some experience in, they are very receptive in helping you to set up an opportunity to carry that out. All of the other engineers I work with are very engaging and are happy to explain what they are working on or how something works, whilst also allowing myself to learn these things firsthand.

I feel I receive the right amount of support from MGTS; there is not too much support where it feels like I am being spoonfed the work, but also not enough support where I feel lost. The lecturers who teach the Btec and HNC side are very good and have an engineering background, which in itself garners support through their teaching. The TDA visits we have on site are also another way that MGTS shows support as they check how our work is going and are readily available for support if it is required.

I feel the qualifications gained from MGTS will greatly help me to perform better in my role. Through the level three BTEC I have learnt how lean processes can help a business to succeed, which is directly transferable to how some operations are carried out at PepsiCo. The practical qualifications have shown how to correctly apply fault finding techniques, the correct operation of machinery and also how to correctly interpret and create technical drawings and specifications, which are all thing used in my day to day workings. Even the parts of the qualification which are not used at work are still a benefit to know and allow me to perform better as there is always that chance and opportunity that I will be able to apply them to a real world situation.

There are extra-curricular activities to get involved in through PepsiCo and they are encouraged to help create a positive mental attitude. Competitions are encouraged between the shifts through sporting event like football and pool, there are open days where it is encouraged to bring your family so you can show how crisps are made. Events such as Ramadan and Diwali plus others are celebrated throughout the year through free meals and experiences.

Yes

PepsiCo has been extremely welcoming to me. I feel a real sense of enjoyment and responsibility through working for them and I know that my work is appreciated. They are happy to support me in my role and I feel that they want me to achieve what I set out to. Everyone feels very open and approachable; if you have a problem, there is always someone there who can help you. There are so many ways within PepsiCo that you can move career wise which can allow you to stay focused and not become complacent in your work. I would 100% recommend PepsiCo as a place to work, mainly because I feel valued by them.

Be honest, no one is perfect, if you have made a mistake let them know about it but also show how you have learnt from your mistake so it won't be repeated again. Experience is not needed for the apprenticeship but your determination and drive is, be proactive in problem solving but don't be afraid of asking for help when it is required. Think about any time you have tackled a problem you have not seen before, what did you do to overcome the problem.