apprentice mechanical technician. Review

On a day to day basis my roles involves being part of a working team and completing tasks as given by my team leader. this will first involve a setting to work which will talk over the job regarding the task and the safety guidance relevant. once this has been completed then the work will commence and this will be carried out in a controlled way and is not rushed to prevent any errors or accidents.

I have learnt a lot of new skills since being back on station and getting to grips with more practical work. the first two years were used to develop an underpinning knowledge of engineering and aplly a small amount of practical to give you some basic hand skills. the final two years of the apprenticeship are aimed at building these skills to form a highly skilled and competent technician.

I found that the first two years of the apprenticeship were harder then my third year as it was spent away from home in blocks. this meant as an older apprentice i was with a lot of younger less mature students which i did not have a lot in common with. other than that i feel that the third year of my apprenticeship has been much more relevant and has given me more of an opportunity to grow into my role.

I feel valued as an edf employee as i have an opportunity to give my own opinion on a matter and there are no wrong answers. the older technicians and team leaders give you more respect and are aware that we are here to learn so to deliver the information in a way we can understand.

the first two years are very structured as you are staying away from home on a navy base and evrything is provided. the work is delivered in a school environment so you have lessons to attend on a daily basis. once returning to site you have more freedom and it is more relaxed but you are in charge of your own destiny so if work is not completed it is up to you to catch up or organise tasks you need to complete.

babcock international are in charge down at portsmouth and they provide you with as much support is needed. they are very good at recognising apprentices strengths and weaknesses and providing whatever support is necessary.

my employer provides all of the necessary teams to allow the support to work when it is needed. for example if you are struggling with getting the tasks for the nvq then the team leaders will do whatever they can to get a job for you to complete to meet the needs of the nvq.

the salary is very good for an apprenticeship and although i took a big paycut to take the opportunity i have slowly climed back up to the wage that i was on before i took the apprenticeship. for the first two years everything is paid for so you have no accomodation costs and no food bills and there is a lot of activities put on to keep you busy when you are not at sultan working.

there are many opportunities provided outside of work at portsmouth but less however back on station. at portsmouth there are many different sports activities every night and different opportunities at the weekend.

Yes

it is a great opportunity to start a career with a very good company. there are endless opportunities within the company and if however you feel you want to move in the future you will have a highly recognised qualification.

i would highly reccomend that you read up on the edf website and see all about there investment and the amount of power they produce in the uk. also i would suggest that you read up on all of the different types of generation that edf use.