Multi-craft maintenance engineer Review

Multi-craft apprentice. Duties included electrical and mechanical maintenance on hydro generation plant and associated equipment. Helping group staff to complete routine checks and ensuring that we are complying with our environmental obligations (eg fish passes/compensation water etc.) Daily interactions are between group staff and management and with the renewable operations centre in perth. Interaction could also be had with various contractors depending on the job being completed (eg divers, scaffolders, inspectors etc)

During my apprenticeship so far I have gained two national certificate (NC)in electrical engineering and in mechanical engineering. I have also gained an SVQ2 in electrical maintenance and in mechanical maintenance. I am currently on site working towards my SVQ3 in electrical and mechanical maintenance. I have been on various internal and external training courses on a variety of subjects, eg battery maintenance, working at height, oil response to name a few, some of which were new and others which have refreshed knowledge I had already. I have also gained authorisations to allow me to take on jobs on my own and in other areas of the business. In my role I have learnt new skills in both mechanical and electrical disciplines and have reinforced some skills I had before I began the apprenticeship.

I am really enjoying the programme at the moment, there is always something new to see and learn. The people I work with are very knowledgeable and willing to share that knowledge to allow me to develop in my role. The work can sometimes take a bit of time to get going, especially with a big outage where scaffolding needs to be built or divers need to seal gates but once that's out of the way the work picks up pace. I'd say the job has surpassed my expectations and I enjoy coming into work everyday and hope to continue to do so for a number of years.

I do feel like a valued member of the team. Recognition is given where it is deserved and thanks is always given when helping others complete jobs. The lead engineer and supervisors are always suggesting areas that would be good for me to work in to gain knowledge and experience of all areas of the business.

The structure of the programme is good. In our section of the business, we complete all our college work in the first year and a half, ie the two NC's and the two SVQ2's. We then take the remaining two and a half years to complete our SVQ3 on site, working towards a permanent position in the company. The support from our training team is great, they are always an email or phone call away for anything you need to progress your learning or answer any questions you may have.

I am experiencing problems communicating with my assessor, which are in the process of being solved. When I do receive communications, they are helpful and good feedback is given as to where I need to improve.

My employer provides me with all the information I need or can point me in the direction of someone who can help. They are flexible with regards to where I need to go and what I feel I need to be exposed to more and I can pretty much request where I want to go if it will benefit me and help to complete my SVQ3 or training.

At SSE I feel that the salary is probably one of the best considering you are still in training. As I am older than your stereotypical apprentice, I came in at second year salary which was a massive help as the pay cut I took to take on the job was reduced and it didn't affect my ability to pay rent and bills as much as it would have on the first year salary (which if you are 16/17 years old is still a really good starting point) There is also a very good package of benefits which you are eligible for as soon as you join the company.

Where I am based there aren't many things happening outwith work. We do occasionally organise a day/night out and there are a few people who take part in sports in the evenings.

Yes

Its a good place to work with a good salary, good benefits package and offers a good chance for you to progress through the company if you have the motivation and ability to do so. You will work with a good bunch of guys and girls who are always happy to share their knowledge and expertise with you.

Be honest on your application about locations to be based at as they will take into account how you will manage to get to work from day to day. Do a bit of research on the area of the company you are applying for or speak to someone who works in that area. Relax on the assessment day, they aren't as daunting as you think. At the onboarding week, get involved and make new friends as you will no doubt see them throughout your time at SSE and you will definitely talk about the onboarding week for years to come. Grab every opportunity that the company throw at you to gain experience to help you throughout your time. Remember that if you are successful, you have been given an amazing opportunity to work for a forever changing company and to give it your best, you were picked over hundreds of others so don't let the opportunity slip through your fingers. Get your head down, work hard and you will reap the rewards.