Technical Apprentice Review

I am a Technical Apprentice within a a department that develops and engineers the safety cases for facilities that directly handle nuclear fuel. My day to day task can vary depending on what emergent work is required. As the stations are approaching their decommissioning dates most of my work involves overcoming problems and providing solutions for engineers up at station so that they can operate safely and effectively. This will often involve working with members of my group, visiting the station engineers and communicating with external stakeholders. However on top of all of this i also study at Birmingham City University on a Part time day release basis to gain my BEng/MEng in Mechanical Engineering which the company are sponsoring me for thus i am not burdened with a student loan.

Yes, Since i have started i have broaden my knowledge of not just what my degree consists of but i have also been able to comprehend the history, operation and future of Nuclear power. The in house training has been extremely intuitive and has got me to a level where i can effective and confidently communicate high level information to new coming staff thus allowing me to progress with soft skills.

At first it seemed daunting as this was my first full time job and the standards at which this industry operate at made me feel as if i was chucked into the deep end. However over time with guidance from my group and other colleagues i was soon able to get a firm grasp of what is expected and where I see myself being in years to come.

Very, At times when there are large amounts of emergent work going on and every one is preoccupied it can seem to be a bit daunting to ask for help, but often despite that being the case most members within my group will happily take the time out to support myself or any others when in dire need.

Varies, There have been various other apprentices that have been employed since i have started and i couldn't help but notice that over time they where getting more communication from members such as HR and supporting groups to give assistance where necessary. When i started i only seemed to get this from my manager which worked but at times where my manager wasn't available, i could of done with the reassurance that there was someone else i could of spoken to.

Sufficient amount, the in house training comes in 2 forms where 1 is simillar to being in a classroom with a group of other people and the other is more of a 1 to 1. Both where carried out effectively but due to the industry, the level information expected to retain was extreamly high so there was allot of pressure on some courses where exams where performed at they end.

A reasonable amount, My Manager helps when ever he can but due to his line of work he is rarely at his desk for me to ask questions, but i have been working here long enough to know that there are varies other people within my department that can and would be happy to help. But as previously stated i would of appreciated some additional support and communication from HR at the start of my apprenticeship.

Above average, As the company are paying for my tuition fees and giving me a reasonable salary at the same time i consider myself extremely lucky to be in a position like this, it appeared to be competitive if not exceeding other companies that offer similar schemes.

Yes, EDF Energy support allot of STEM activities within the area such as the Cheltenham Science festival and employee's are given additional days leave to support events like these, this is just one example of the many external events i can get involved with.

Yes

Overall the company requires a wide range of skills and walks of life and if at first you feel that the initial job you've been given is not for you then there is plenty of opportunity and encouragement to do secondments or change roles. Having this flexibility gives more freedom and enjoyment when working.

Put the work and effort in and you will be rewarded, whether going in as an apprentice, graduate or a normal member of staff, the level of work can be daunting at first but once you overcome the first hurdle you soon benefit from the effort put in.