Apprentice Maintenance Technician Review

Im an electrical maintenance technician apprentice, training to eventually being able to work on a nuclear power station in Hartlepool. Im undertaking my first 2 years at HMS sultan in Gosport, Hampshire. On an average day down here i take part in various qualification courses such as NVQ/BTEC/EMT, which will prepare me to undertake life back on site.

I haven learnt a lot of new skills, I came into this apprenticeship with no previous engineering knowledge. As well as learning about various generally plant such as motors/pumps/fans/actuators/etc, we learn about more site specific stuff too. So my knowledge has increase but also my hand skills have improved as we undertake many practical assignments which allow us to develop.

I massively enjoy my program, its variety of courses and good mix of practical work and theory, works very well allowing for us to take in a large amount of knowledge effectively.

I feel like I am valued very highly by EDF, they invest a lot into us in both time and money, as well as ensuring that our personal happiness is just as important and valuable as our career. They have already sent us on 3 trips abroad to Europe to develop our life skills.

Extremely so in my opinion. A lot of time is taken to ensure the structure is presented well, they also listen to also of the feedback that we give to them so that they can change courses or help develop the instructors.

I would say we get a lot of support from not just EDF, but also from Babcock who provide excellent facilities on HMS Sultan, that have a lot of equipment that we wouldn't have access to if we were trained at one of our local colleges. Second to this the instructors are all very experienced in their fields

A lot, we have constant contact with EDF on a daily basis, we also have our site specific coordinators who email with us daily, allowing us to raise any concerns or issues that we have with them, which they are always quick to respond to.

Very well. EDF pay for our accommodation, food, and transport over the first 2 years down at HMS Collingwood/Sultan, as well as paying us a handsome salary which is basically for personal use. over the 3rd and 4th years we have all of our work related costs paid for.

Yes a lot. I have already had the opportunity to be able to go to Europe 3 times already, Budapest, Berlin and Lyon, in order to develop my life experiences by learning about the history and culture of those cities and their countries. There are also many extra sporting and education activities that are funded for us, including everything from football and swimming to learning a new language.

Yes

The treatment, respect, time and money that has been invested in me has built up my confidence in my training massively, I feel that I've developed myself as an individual as well as my development in my respective career.

To give it your all, and to prepare as much as you can, learning about the nuclear industry to gain an understanding of the industry and its preconceptions. It is a company that once you are in with, they will give you everything you want if you're willing to put in the effort.