Business Apprentice Review

I am a business apprentice, spending 6 months in finance, 12 months in supply chain and then 6 months in performance improvement. I am currently coming towards the end of my time in finance and starting my CIPS course as i move onto supply chain. I am also part of the EDF young professionals network. During my time in finance, daily responsabilities have included managing the budget for 3 departments and running reports that provide information on the financial performance of Heysham Power Station.

I have learnt a lot of industry specific skills and information. I have also learnt a new way of communicating with people and taking responsability for my work. I am about to start a CIPS course which will no doubt allow me to gain even more skills and knowledge.

So far, i have really enjoyed my apprenticeship. Everyone at EDF has been welcoming and helped me to settle in. The work environment is one which is challenging but encouraging and the people here understand how tough it can be for a new starter who has not worked in the Nuclear industry before.

So far I have felt massively valued by EDF Energy. I have been included in team tasks within my department and everybody makes the effort to make me feel welcome and settle in. Recognition of good work is always given.

There is a clear plan from both my current line manager and my line manager in the future when i move to supply chain. They have spoken to me aboiut their plans for my training and when I start my CIPS course. They have explained how the CIPS course will link with what i will be doing on a day to day basis within the business.

I have only just enrolled on my CIPS qualification. However, so far i have received a lot of support from them. They are quick to answer any queries that i have about the course.

Whenever i do not understand something or i am struggling with something at work, my line manager will always make time for me. The HR team is also very approachable.

I am currently living at home locally so my salary covers all of my costs such as my car, petrol, insurance and mobile phone.

I am part of the young professionals network at EDF so I often hear of opportunities and i try to take as many on as possible. Going forward in my career, EDF seems like a company that promotes its staff to take as many opportunities as possible.

Yes

For anybody local to Heysham, it is a great place to start a career and learn from industry experts. Once you start working at Heysham, you realise how big the business is and how many opportunities there could be not only nationally but worldwide within the EDF Group.

I found that being myself and being honest worked the best. Throughout the application process, I openly admitted that i didnt have a lot of knowledge about the Nuclear industry, however i felt that the knowledge i had gained from my college course could be linked to any industry. Make it clear that you are prepared to work hard as it can be a challenging environment at times.