Apprentice Engineer Review

by Nestle

Best Apprenticeship Employer

Rating

7.4/10

1. Please give an overview of your role and what this involves on a day-to-day basis:

The role includes electrical and mechanical maintenance. This will include breakdowns of things such as pumps, motors, sensors etc. Three days a week I shadow technicians and two days a week I go to college.

8/10

2. Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?

I started this apprenticeship 7/8 months ago and I didn't have much hands on experience - but I soon realised that that isn't 100% needed once you start, the aim of the apprenticeship is to teach you these skills and so far its working!

8/10

3. To what extent do you enjoy your programme?

I enjoy the apprenticeship I'm on, I meet new people regularly and have got along with the other apprentices really well. The training provided has been good and the jobs I am put on are interesting.

8/10

4. How valued do you feel by Nestle?

As an apprentice I feel reasonably well valued, the pay is fair and I am not asked to work extensive hours. I have the option to go on shift like all the other technicians in my third year onwards.

7/10

5. How well organised/structured is your programme?

I started the apprenticeship (4 year programme) with the impression that after I'd finished my BTEC (2 years) I'd have the opportunity to progress my education into a HNC or higher but unfortunately this option seems to be unlikely - not sure why or when this changed.

6/10

6a. How much support do you receive from your training provider?

My training provider (derby college) are very helpful. I know that if I needed extra support on an area, e.g. electrical, they would put together a rig for us to practice with.

8/10

6b. How much support do you receive from your employer?

I've not had a situation where I have necessarily needed support so it is hard for me to comment - but I am confident that if I had an issue I could speak to my line manager and training team for support.

7/10

7. How well does your salary/package meet your costs?

I'm 22 so the 12k starting salary was a bit of a drop down for myself, but this was a conscious decision of mine. But if I was 16 again this amount would have been just fine!

8/10

8. Are there many opportunities outside of work?

There are plenty of things that people can attend, this could be charity events, football etc. This factory does a lot for MacMillan cancer support, so there is usually something on to help this cause that people could also get involved in.

7/10

9. Would you recommend Nestle to a friend?

Yes

9b. Why?

Learning and earning is the ideal way to progress today. With jobs being difficult to find, working your way up through a company and getting the training paid for and earning a salary is a good idea.

10. What tips or advice would you give to others applying to Nestle?

Be confident. A lot of the process stages are named with quite intimidating titles when really they are basic examinations of your capabilities. Don't be shy if you find yourself at the assessment centre - again, this has an intimidating title. Everyone you meet will be more than friendly and settling.