Instrumentation Technician Review

My role as an instrumentation technician apprentice is based around the control and automation of instruments. I am currently completing a level 3 B-Tech in Engineering, a level 2 NVQ in instrumentation and a new trailblazer qualification. In order to complete my B-Tech I am required to complete a project, which I decided to focus around water conservation. On a day to day basis I am shadowing am experienced instrument technician to learn the skills required to carry out the job myself when I come out of my apprenticeship.

Whilst being at Severn Trent I have participated in many training courses, such as Working at Height, First Aid, Enclosed Spaces, Asbestos, Driving Safety etc. I have learnt the key behaviours and skills needed to work in a challenging work environment. I have learnt the process of cleaning river water so it is safe for consumption and I have been involved in lots of electrical and instrumentation work. In addition, I have been able to carry out work on PLCs so I could learn basics about programming and control systems.

Every day raises new challenges and hurdles to overcome. Every site you visit has it own processes and systems in place. This prevents your work from ever being boring as there is always more to learn. I have thoroughly enjoyed my apprenticeship so far and everyone I have met has been so friendly and helpful. It has exceeded my expectations and there is no more I could of asked from the team I work with on a day to day basis.

In such a big company I never expected to feel like such a valued member. I assumed going into a company the size of STW I would just be a number but the network within Severn Trent allows you to communicate with so many different people at various levels within the business. Regular meetings with my manager allows me to continually receive feedback on my performance and the continued support allows me to get involved with any project/task I wish.

Severn Trent encourage you to take responsibility for your own learning which provides you with a real sense of independance. You are provided with all the resources and information you require and you can work through it at the pace you see fit. Any extra training or studying you wish to do will always be supported by Severn Trent as long as there is justification for you to do so. You always feel that if you need help you can contact any member of the business and they will be happy to help you out.

The training provider will provide you with the resources and information you need. If there is any extra explanation you require you can always ask them and they will happily go through it with you on a 1 to 1 basis. If you have a problem they will do their best to help you or if not, they will point you in the direction of somebody who can.

My mentor is always willing to explain the tasks we carry out and go through anything I do not understand. The support I have received from the team I work with has been outstanding. In addition, I know that if I ever need to speak to my manager he is always willing to discuss any issues with me and regular progress reports help me to keep track of my progress.

The salary STW offer combined with various other benefits you receive such as the Sharesave scheme really make it easy for someone my age to save money for the future.

There have been so many opportunities available to me since I started my apprenticeship. I have been to various award ceremonies, I have been to many apprenticeship promotional events, I have featured in a video expressing my experiences for the STW website, I have featured in the 'Derby Telegraph' and spending a year living with some of the other apprentices helped me to meet lots of new people.

Yes

The opportunities within Severn Trent are endless. The training you receive will help you to take your career in the direction that you wish, with support and guidance every step of the way.

Although the application process is a daunting task for those who are not used to the interview process, it has been worth it! In order to ensure I did not freeze during the interview process I practiced over and over again with my sister, I think this really helped me relax when it came to the actual thing.