E&I Apprentice Review

My job title is Electrical and Instrumentation Apprentice. This means that I shadow a tradesman around his or her daily jobs. These can consist of calibrations, isolations and many other jobs. Every morning we attend a morning meeting to discuss problems and what jobs are going to be done.

I have learned a lot of new skills from having my apprenticeship. I have learned skills in leadership and teamwork. I have been on a lot of training courses as it is important for the whole site to have the correct training for the jobs like good documentation practice and housekeeping. I am currently working to get my National Diploma and will then continue on to my Higher National Certificate/Diploma. I have learnt a lot about the jobs that are done around site.

I enjoy my apprenticeship very much. I enjoy the work that I do on a day to day basis as well as the training that I am receiving. I work well with my colleges and fit in with everyone. It met up and went beyond my expectations for the jobs that I do.

I feel valued by my manager very much. He always gives praise when you do something that is good. He will also tell you if you are falling behind and where it would be good to work on. I feel involved with all of the tasks that I am involved with. I have been recognized for some of the stuff that I have done for site but I sometimes feel as if some things can go undetected.

On site everything is very well organised. The inductions and the training is all set out properly. There is always support for anything that you need help with like studying. Meetings are put into your calender so you know when and where they are. All the jobs are listed and set out for the right amount of hours. The only thing that needed improvement was the collage, however once my manager got involved it quickly improved.

At my collage there isn't loads of people. Because of this we are able to get one on one talks from the tutor and so get more knowledge on the things that we are doing. I enjoy my training at collage.

I receive a lot of support wherever it is needed from my manager. He is always there to support you. I have a mentor that I have had meetings with. He has told me how to do certain things and asks me if I have any problems. If I ever have a problem, there is always someone there to listen and help.

As I still live at home I am able to live on the salary I have. I am able to afford my car and holidays If I save up. I am able to go out with my friends and have meals without having to worry too much on what I am spending. If I was going to move out however, it may be quite difficult.

There are some events that get organised by the company such as the summer BBQ and the ball. There are quite a few activities that get organised as well such as football, boat racing and other fun activities. There are always orange days in which we go out and help the local community with anything that is organised.

Yes

To me GlaxoSmithKline is amazing. It is a global company that gives you amazing on and off the job training. There are so many opportunities that Glaxo offers you and it opens up a whole new world to you.

The main advise I would give to anyone who is wanting to apply is just be yourself. Don't try and be something your not. If you aren't yourself you cant begin to improve. With that being said always remember to pack as much into your application as you can. Anything that will make you look better than the other person. That could be: work experience, after school clubs, volunteer work, etc. Always put your hand up for things that are offered. This helps you be seen as someone who wants to be involved and wants to get things done.