Engineering Apprentice Review

My job title is an engineering apprentice, I shadow the techs to learn the job. This includes attending shift handovers to hear about what has been happening on the last shift, working on breakdowns such as blown gaskets and seized motors, raising work orders to log my time and cost, and carrying out planned maintenance to keep the plant running as efficiently as possible.

Before starting my apprenticeship, I had very little hand skills where maintenance was concerned. In the 8 months since I have started I have become considerably better using spanners, hammer and other hand tools. On top of my time at the factory, I attend college 2 days a week. From this I have learnt a lot about the engineering industry, engineering principles along with practicle skills such as mechanical assemblies and hand fitting exercises.

I enjoy being able to get stuck in with jobs, it can be very dirty but it is satisfying to see a job well done. Some techs are brilliant to work with, imparting knowledge and skills easily and readily.

I often get comments from the techs that I work most closely with and am told how well I am doing which always boosts my confidence. I have also been told in reviews with my managers that I am doing well and they think I have a lot of potential.

The organisation could be improved, the college we attend is often understaffed and needs to focus on the organisation of teachers and classes. At work, the training team have to stay on top of training for the whole factory, so they have a very big job and considering this, they do very well. Sometimes decisions are delayed but that is mostly down to lack of response from people higher up in the company.

We have an in-house training provider, and as such we can talk to them as often as we want. They are enthusiastic to improve our course and the skills we learn while on our apprenticeship.

My line manager is always willing to listen to any concern or problem I have and has been very supportive whenever I have brought any issues up with her. The techs I work with can vary in their support, Some are brilliant and enjoy helping me learn, while others try to avoid working with me. This can be disheartening but I chose to ignore this and focus on working with the techs who are happy to teach me.

Although Nestle pay very well for a first year apprentice, I am an independent adult and I run my own household. This can be a bit of a struggle sometimes, and money is often tight. However, with the support of my fiancé, we manage to make ends meet and once I progress trough the apprenticeship, it will become much easier.

We do factory swaps with other factories within the UK to allow us to see how other factories operate and other processes used. We also get many different discounts through work for leisure activities and shopping.

Yes

Overall, Nestle is a good company to work for. There is a lot of encouragement to further yourself and it is up to the employee to go as far as they wish.

Don't worry too much about the interviews, everyone is really friendly, just relax and be yourself. Let the best you shine through as they want to see how you would fit in with the company, not how you think they want you to behave.