Engineering Maintenance Apprentice Review

My job title is an Engineering Maintenance Apprentice with eDF energy. During the first two years of our apprenticeship we attend a residential training establishment where we learn the key engineering skills required to carry out our jobs and become successful technicians. During a typical working day at the academy we will take part in lessons and practical instruction sessions whereby we learn the theory then apply this to the practical aspects. Daily, we interact with instructors, our colleagues and some managers when applicable. At this point in our apprenticeship we are not particularly responsible for anything as we are not SQEP but we are responsible for ensuring we learn as much as possible.

I have learned a lot of new skills at the academy, namely achieving a Level 3 BTEC and NVQ qualification and i also hope to go on to achieve my HNC. Within the company there is a number of training courses undertaken to ensure that we can perform our jobs to the best of our ability and in the safest way possible. we are also taught how to take safety out of the workplace and ensure we are safe throughout daily life. I have also had the opportunity to develop my practical skills as this was something i identified that i had to work on.

The work on the programme is very self-fulfilling in that it gives me a sense of accomplishment when i can see that i have completed a job to the best of my ability and it is working as designed. Teamwork is also a vital part of my job and i thoroughly enjoy working with my colleagues as i always know that they are looking out for me. This scheme fully exceeded my expectations and i have thoroughly enjoyed my time here so far and look forward to all of the challenges that i will face in the coming years.

I feel that eDF Energy really take the time to ensure that their employees make good progress within their roles and to ensure that they show appreciation for the work that their employees do. There is also the opportunity to be awarded "apprentice of the year" awards which the company uses to show their appreciation for certain individuals' contributions to the scheme. it is also possible to be put forward for other external awards such as the IET and IMechE awards.

The scheme is very well organised, with dedicated coordinators to look after the apprentices and ensure that all of the training and support that is required is provided. Each year EDF conduct a stress and wellbeing assessment to ensure that their employees are in peak mental condition. The hierarchy is also very good to provide support at multiple levels so that employees always have someone to turn to.

Each class is given their own mentor who is there to provide support to all members of the class and to help resolve any problems as well as give out praise and conduct appraisals. All of the instructors are extremely helpful and are always willing to help you when required as well as have a friendly chat with.

As mentioned earlier, the company regularly carry out appraisals and offer a confidential helpline so that if there are any issues, you have a route to go to ensure it is dealt with properly. Managers are also very supportive of all staff and help to mentor everyone. There is also an open reporting culture within the company so everyone has no issue with reporting issues.

The accommodation that is provided is to a very high standard, each apprentice gets their own room and has access to kitchen facilities as well as recreational areas within the accommodation. Our travel costs are covered each day as we are taken to our place of work by bus. Our food is also paid for at the on site dining facilities. The location is excellent as it has good transport links with the city centre of portsmouth. The pay package also offers a competitive rate.

The company's social and recreational club offers reduced priced tickets to events and museums local to the home stations. They also offer christmas functions and various events throughout the year. They also offer free membership to a local leisure club. in my spare time i do running and go to the gym.

Yes

It is an excellent opportunity to develop skills whilst getting paid as opposed to getting into thousands of pounds of debt in university. It also provides a good, stable job that will be stable into the future, especially with nuclear new build taking place.

Always be yourself during the interviews and learn to work well as part of a team. For the interview, make sure you thoroughly prepare and ensure that you know the ins and outs of the company. The life skills opportunities are second to none and have helped me develop immensely.