Service and Repair Engineer Review

I am training to be a Service and Repair Engineer with British Gas. My role involves servicing gas appliances in residential properties in my local area. I also get calls for breakdowns where I will need to diagnose and fix faults. I predominantly work on central heating systems but occasionally encounter fires and cookers.

I had limited practical experience with tools around the house and have since developed new skills such as bending and soldering copper pipe, wiring electrical components such as timers, room stats, pumps and motors. Above all I have developed a safe working routine with respect to working in customers' homes and with gas.

I thoroughly enjoy the training programme, every week brings new skills, new appliances and new challenges. Hands on experience is fantastic and is always supported by experienced engineers.

I very much feel a part of my local team, all of my colleagues have welcomed me and I joined them on a trip to the city for our Christmas night out. The company paid for the meal for the entire team! The company provide everything required to do the job safely and efficiently.

Everything is planned well in advance, we are issued iPads to view learning materials and complete workbooks. All learning materials are available online from day one. Inevitably, things get in the way of well laid plans and we have to adapt - this unfortunately can impact on our learning.

I am very well supported, I have a mentor engineer who I work with day to day during my training and am always encouraged to do the work myself. The training centre is run by some excellent trainers who are always available to assist.

My area manager is very supportive of my training requirements and is always available to have a chat if needed. He is on top of my assessment requirements and always ensures the necessary jobs are scheduled and that the assessor is available.

Money is tight, especially in the first year, but the salary is better than other apprenticeships and no additional work related costs are incurred. For example all tools are provided where required, and when at the Training Centre we are put up in a hotel on Dinner, Bed and Breakfast.

We are encouraged to follow the Duke of Edinburgh as part of our apprenticeship which includes personal physical activity and volunteering in the community. We spent a week in the Lakes camping and walking which was a fantastic experience and a highlight of the year.

Yes

The training is excellent, equipment is of a high standard and the additional benefits are better than I have experienced at other companies. We have an intranet with access to discounts for shopping and services which will prove handy when my salary increases.

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