Electrical Maintenance Technician Apprentice Review

Apprentice Electrical Maintenance Technician, currently training at HMS Sultan with Babcock. Learning the theory of electrical principles and how this can be applied to maintenance activities within our power stations. To accompany and support this, we carry out practical tasks such as testing, overhauls and building lighting systems etc.

Yes, I've learnt a lot of new hand skills and I'm working towards achieving the BTEC qualifications. The training programme includes a life skills department which provides us with opportunities to travel across Europe, this has enhanced organisational skills etc.

I enjoy working with both the team down in HMS Sultan with Babcock and also the team back on station. There's a lot of knowledge to be gained from the experienced techs and instructors so it's helpful to have them available to share their knowledge openly. I've thoroughly enjoyed my first 2 years of my apprenticeship.

We're made to feel like part of the team from day 1 and we're kept well up to date with everything which is happening on station.

The structure and organisation of the programme is good, it gives us the chance to learn the knowledge then put that into practice.

We have team leaders throughout training and also tutors who support us. In addition to this, we have an onsite apprentice manager and also have co-ordinators from our stations who provide support.

We have an onsite apprentice manager and also have co-ordinators from our stations who provide support. On station, we will have team leaders and managers who will also provide support.

Whilst we are based in HMS Sultan in Portsmouth, we have minimal living costs. Free transport to and from work is provided, free accommodation is provided and additionally 3 hot meals a day are provided. We're also given a free journey home for an extended long weekend every 4-5 weeks. We're very fortunate to be provided with this whilst also receiving a good pay package.

Whilst we're training at HMS Sultan, we live in HMS Collingwood. There's free gym facilities and we often take trips around the southern coast at weekends. The company try to support our outside activities as much as possible by helping to cover some costs such as travel costs. We also get involved in charity activities and EDF provide us with optional free french classes.

Yes

It is the best decision I've ever made and so far I've enjoyed every moment of it. It's a very good salary/package provided and will hopefully be the start of a long, successful and enjoyable career.

Learn as much as possible about the operation of Power Stations and Nuclear energy, don't rush the assessments and be yourself in the interview. If you're lucky enough to get the job, throw yourself at every opportunity handed to you and make the most of your time on the scheme.