Mechanical Apprentice Technician Review

I am a third year mechanical Apprentice in EDF Energy. I studied the basics of engineering in HMS Collingwood and HMS Sultan. I completed NVQ L2 and Btec L3. With some hands on work too on safety systems, electrical circuits and mechanical systems. Since being back on site I have worked with a range of people on pumps, valves, actuators and many more mechanical systems. I have completed my NVQ L3 and I have started my HNC in mechanical engineering.

Yes. I have gained social and business skills as well as the mechanical hands on skills expected within an apprenticeship. Social skills are due to putting myself out there in new situations, such as indoor and outdoor skydiving, charity work and working on a steam wagon in my spare time. Hands on skills include using different machines and tools that I hadn't encountered in my school or sixth form.

I love this apprenticeship. I feel privileged to be on a course run by a brilliant company. I am treated well, nominated for numerous awards both in and out of the company and treated like part of the team. I've met people throughout the country and it has improved my life!

I feel like I am useful within the working environment. They treat me like part of the team, I am included in all tasks relevant and people are always willing to teach . EDF Energy have put me forward for numerous awards both in and out of the company and it is great how they let me work with a range of teams on site and compete charity work

The apprenticeship is split into two sections; two years in Portsmouth at HMS Collingwood and HMS Sultan and two years at the chosen site. This is planned and meticulously followed through. All qualifications are planned in advance and an expectation is given to you at the beginning of the apprenticeship of how this will pan out Back to site the focus goes to the new apprentices but you're still given time for one to one meetings and team meetings to improve yourself. Jobs after the apprenticeship aren't guaranteed but they will find a job for you in either maintenance (following your apprenticeship) or operations.

Full support and help. Anything you need is catered for you in the first and second year, by third year you are left more to time manage yourself but the team are always there for support and guidance. The in company and training providers expect a high standard within the education side of the apprenticeship and they support you in gaining this

Anything I have needed has been given by EDF Energy. They pay for journeys home from Portsmouth in first and second year, whilst there they also pay for all food, board and education. I have been nominated for numerous awards both in and out of the company, I feel fully supported within the apprenticeship, working environment and charity work I complete

Anything I have needed has been given by EDF Energy. They pay for journeys home from Portsmouth in first and second year, whilst there they also pay for all food, board and education. We are also paid a salary much higher than the average apprenticeship. In third year our wage goes up and we are back on site. Food is a respectable price and we are expected to get to and from work ourselves. Costs are covered for all education activities and further educational studies.

I complete a range of extracurricular activities aside from the main apprenticeship. Whilst in Portsmouth at HMS Collingwood and HMS Sultan I worked with the Navy on a steam wagon, completed indoor and outdoor skydiving, indoor snowboarding and paintballing. I also completed a lot of charity work which I have taken to doing back at home too in my third year. I am an avid member of the station charity group and we have regular meetings. Work also regularly put on external work get together activities such as bowling, parties and sit down meals.

Yes

I have had a brilliant time working with EDF Energy. I work along side interesting and knowledgeable people. I always learn something when in work and I try to put effort in to gain something. It had developed my whole team both socially and through the company. I have made so many friends throughout the country try and I've travelled the world already, I can't wait to see what happens next

Complete the Questions carefully, don't rush! Ask around and see what others think of it or who you know that works there. Get to know the company by learning their slogans and focus areas through the official website. Always be honest and enjoy the time if you were lucky enough to get the apprenticeship. Try to get work experience in the company, industry or something related to engineering, it'll help with confidence and give you something to talk about in interviews