TPM Specialist Review

I am managing the implementation of a tool called TPM (Total Performance Management). My day to day job involves supporting the operators with understanding of the methodoligies that come with TPM and developing their competency. All of this is working towards passing ' Step 1' of TPM to move on to Step 2.

Yes, I am much more confident with presenting and approaching new / important people. I can manage my time and work a lot better and have developed my abilities on computer software such as excel. I have been a part of a performance acceleration team which has allowed me project management experience.

I really enjoy the job role i am currently in. I think the apprenticeship has exposed me to a lot of different areas within the factory and allowed me to experience different job roles. The only negative I have about my programme currently is that now I am more developed, skilled and approaching the end on my apprenticeship, I am doing a job role that should be paid more than apprenticeship wage, but because I am still on the programme I am not paid that.

I think on my site we struggle to show people how much we value them. We are all aware of this however and as a department (my part of the factory) we are close knit and are trying to get better at this. I often forget that I am still 'an apprentice' and so less is expected of me compared to my colleagues, however I feel like I over achieve in my day to day role which makes me feel valued.

In terms of apprenticeship structure I would say not great. There was no set schedule to say I would go to one department for 6 months, then another, then another which is what I was expecting from it. However, the view i have now is that there isn't really an 'apprentice' label, and that you get viewed the same as everyone else. It is similar to being a normal worker in that you have to work hard to get where you want to get, which i think is good because it is a taste of reality.

I see my training provider at least once a month. I can also speak to them through email or phone if I need them at any other time. My training provider gives really good direction on what it is I need to do next, and gives great feedback on what I have already done.

I get a lot of support from my line manager. He is the area manager for my department and so can be very busy, but I feel like he always makes time to ask me how I'm doing, and help me out when I need it. He is always asking me about my development and where I want to end up (as my apprenticeship ends soon), which makes me feel like he always has my best interest in mind and wants me to develop into a job role I am going to enjoy.

My salary is very good compared to most apprenticeship wages and I appreciate it very much. My salary has allowed me to save up and buy a house with my partner and allows me to pay all the associated bills. (However I would not have been able to do this on my salary alone).

My department do a few things outside of work, such as getting together on a night out, celebrating birthdays/retirements etc. Every year they host a family fun day on a near by cricket field where everyone is welcome to join for food, drinks, and fun. This year we are also doing a sports day and a family day on site where we can bring our loved ones to site to see where we work and what we do.

Yes

My apprenticeship has provided me with everything I need, from personal development, to making friends, being exposed to different areas of a business and being accepted as an employee not having the stigma of 'an apprentice'. Also, if they are wanting to continue learning by going into an apprenticeship, why not go to a company who pays above the national living wage.

Not to expect that everything will be handed to you on a plate. You need to work hard for what you want/the development you want just as any normal person with a full time job would have to do. However being an apprentice can be beneficial with regards to it being easier for you to move to another role without having to apply through a CV and interview like others would.