Apprentice Electrical Technician Review

by Thames Water

Best Apprenticeship Employer

Rating

6.1/10

1. Please give an overview of your role and what this involves on a day-to-day basis:

Electrical maintenance which includes fault finding, diagnostic testing and replacement of like for like components.

8/10

2. Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?

Electrical theory, how to fault find and carry out diagnostic testing. How to replace components. How to safely work on electrical systems.

7/10

3. To what extent do you enjoy your programme?

Overall, I enjoy it. I do not like being forced to attend ‘voluntary’ apprentice events to represent the programme by managers when other apprentices get the choice to go as it is voluntary. If it is indeed voluntary, all should have a choice.

6/10

4. How well organised/structured is your programme?

There was lots of confused messaging and instability from the college especially in my first year. It was really hard to navigate. This is my third year and this has greatly settled now with more consistent communication and a reliable assessor.

5/10

5. How much support do you receive from your employer?

I do get plenty of help. I am given the time I need to do revision and complete my write-ups. They also provide me with the jobs I need to complete my write-ups and address any areas I may be lacking in.

7/10

6. How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?

The first two years, the college’s communication of information was inconsistent and confused. This made it really hard to know how to move forward. This has greatly improved to where I am satisfied with the college’s support.

5/10

7. How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?

Not very well. It heavily focuses on electronics and instrumentation which I do not do in my role. It is not a proper electrical apprenticeship but an electrically biased maintenance one so there are necessary skills and knowledge I am lacking.

5/10

8. Are there extra-curricular activities to get involved in at your work? (For example, any social activities, sports teams, or even professional networking events.)

There are many events that apprentices can take part in if they wish, mainly online. These include business workshops, employment networking and mental health talks.

6/10

9a. Would you recommend Thames Water to a friend?

9b. Why?

The engineering apprenticeships are only geared towards a water company. The electrical route will make you a qualified electrician. The qualifications gained will make it hard to find employment elsewhere. This issue has been flagged but it seems no changes to the course choice has been made.

10. What tips or advice would you give to others applying to Thames Water?

Look into the qualifications being advertised and research what you can do with them in the future. If it is for you, make sure you research Thames and can articulate why Thames is appealing for you at interview. Show plenty of interest.