maintenance engineer Review

engineering technician apprentice. our daily tasks consist of completing college assignments, achieving competency at a training centre of lathes, milling machines and welding among other skills, we also assist other technicians at nestle with the maintenance of machinery or do jobs ourselves if competent. internally I interact with other technicians, machine operators and managers. externally I interact with training supervisor. I am responsible for completing my qualifications to a high standard and on time, also I must follow nestles standards and rules to work safely and hygienically.my projects involve maintenance jobs at work, college coursework and training assignments. everyday is different.

I am working towards achieving a peo level 2 qualification, this has taught me how to operate lathes, milling machines, and welding skills. I have also built on my existing skills in fabricating components using hand tools. I will also earn a nvq level 3 and an hnc after that. I have learned a lot as I now feel very confident using these skills.

I enjoy this apprenticeship very much. generally everybody at work has a good attitude and is willing to help you and teach you all they can. there is a friendly attitude and I am not treat poorly due to being an apprentice. it has exceeded my expectations as I am slightly older than most apprentices I wasn't sure if I would enjoy taking a step down to do an apprenticeship from a military career, but I have.

yes. my manager treats me with respect and constantly checks that I am learning and progressing as well as I can be, and that nothing is having a negative effect on my learning. other technicians I work with appreciate my assistance or when I can do a job unassisted, I am not taken advantage of or wasted. if there is a large job or a rarely occurring one which is beneficial for me to be involved in I can be brought in or sought out to assist and learn.

my programme has been very well organised from the start. I had a workplace induction which was comprehensive but not overwhelming. The training I receive is also comprehensive and enjoyable. I have specific people I can contact for support but I can also reach out to other apprentices or technicians who can assist too. I have regular reviews which analyse my performance and progression to assist in fine tuning my training to the best outcome.

I have support available to me at all times. there is multiple tutors/advisors I can contact as well as my line manager and colleagues, this support is also very accessible with face to face discussions, phone calls or emails. there is a wealth of guidance and advice to be had as well which is easily available and everyone is always keen to help in any way.

my manager is always happy to support and assist me in anyway, i am never treat in a less important manner than anyone else he always has time for me. the HR team provided a good induction and also gave me any information i had about HR matters such as pensions. my mentor regularly checks on my progress and discuss' it with me as well as visiting the college and training centre i attend. everyone is always keen to assist in anyway.

before this apprenticeship i was in the military where i achieved a higher pay than i currently do therefore i have taken a loss in pay than i am used to, however this will increase yearly and surpass my previous pay in 2 years. i would not be able to own my own house/ apartment on this salary if i also wanted to have a car and pay other bills. i have my own car so travelling to work and the training centres which are very close means i have no trouble with travel expenses currently. my expenses such as paying board, phone bills, car bills and insurance take a large portion of my salary leaving a fairly small amount for other non essentials such as social events and food. however the nestle apprenticeship wage is huge compared to most apprenticeships so i can manage fairly easily without wasteful expenditures.

yes, there is regular company events such as travelling to a company work retreat where i was able to meet other apprentices from around the country. there is lots of leisure activities which are organised within the factory that promote healthy fun activities such a cycling trips. i currently have lots of spare time outside of work to do my hobbies and do social outings.

Yes

because the first year apprentice salary at nestle is much larger than apprenticeships it allows for it to be done at an older age after going down a different professional path without going to a miniscule salary. it is also fun and i am treat well and with respect and when i finish i will have a very good salary and career with very good qualifications and great opportunities.

for the application process, always dress smartly, be polite and friendly and get involved constantly. if asked if anyone has any questions ask a question for the sake of asking it, even if you already know the answer, this makes you seem interested and not shy. be sure to get involved and stand out but don't push others aside you need to show you like working as a team.