Mechanical Apprentice Technician Review

Mechanical Apprentice Technician, 4th year. On site we work to complete NVQ Qualification (3rd year), Qualification Manual (4 year) and HNC in Mechanical Engineering (3/4 year)-day release. Work on site with qualified team on defect plant and plant requiring maintenance. Plant includes pumps, valves, motors and gearboxes. Extra training provided for rigging, slinging, mechanical seals etc. I make time to get involved with the company charity and networking events.

Yes, all maintenance theory experience learned in Portsmouth at HMS Collingwood and HMS Sultan. Practical and communication experience gained on site. Work to complete NVQ Qualification (3rd year), Qualification Manual (4 year) and HNC in Mechanical Engineering. Skills learned include using tools, both hand tools and machines. Also taught how to use alignment machines and techniques.

I have enjoyed this program and opportunity to work with such a great team of people. I have travelled with EDF Energy and this is a great chance to see new places and cultures. I have been given opportunities to meet people throughout this industry; I am involved with the Young Energy Professionals Network and the Women in Engineering Network. I have completed skydiving for Marie curie and Breast Cancer Now, which I wouldn't have completed if I weren't with EDF Energy. I also got involved with HMS Sultan Super Sentinel Steam Wagon, indoor skydiving and indoor snowboarding. I've met some amazing people who I will treasure.

Yes. Everyone is unbelievably kind and I feel very comfortable within my work. I am raising money for the company charity, Breast Cancer Now, we've been thanked for our contribution. I have been nominated for awards, both in and out of the company. This recognition is astounding and I am unbelievably grateful for this opportunity. I enjoy working and meeting new people, I feel valued within the team on site. Any questions or concerns I know I can ask and be given helpful advice and information.

Very organised, lots of quality education and skills time. First and second year of the apprenticeship programme you work at HMS Collingwood and HMS Sultan. You come home every 5 weeks via coach and also travel to numerous countries in those two years. The qualifications completed in third and fourth year include NVQ Qualification (3rd year), Qualification Manual (4 year) and HNC in Mechanical Engineering. We get day release to complete the HNC, extra training on site for numerous projects etc

Anything I need I can ask for, if I have questions or issues it is resolved to a satisfactory conclusion. I feel I can work with the team as soon valued member and I enjoy going to work. We have had so much paid for us, including travel/food/education/life skills trips/training. Anything I raise for the company charity, Breast Cancer Now, will be doubled by EDF Energy - helping more people overcome and illness.

Support is available, anything I want can be addressed easily. I am nominated for awards both in and out the company - this is because of the employer recognising me working hard within my work and community. Support for my qualifications could always be improved but I get the help if I am proactive and ask for the help.

The first two years are covered by EDF Energy, this means all cost for travel, food, accommodation, laundry, life skills trips and other activities are paid for. On site your salary is increased, they also pay for your HNC qualification - and the travel to and from college for day release. Once you're qualified your salary etc will increase dramatically, as you are now a trusted and reliable member of the team - you are SQEP (suitably qualified experienced person)

Absolutely. Down in HMS Collingwood and HMS Sultan, in Portsmouth there is everything from life skills trips to days out in Brighton and London. You an travel to see other nuclear power stations and other sites. You are given opportunities to help raise money for the company charity, Breast Cancer Now, this involves skydives, cake sales, raffles, bag packing and charity days. I worked at HMS Sultan Super Sentinel Steam Wagon with the Royal Navy.

Yes

Absolutely amazing opportunity to learn, succeed and meet amazing people. Great opportunity to get involved with the company charity and networking events, throughout the whole country and world. Interesting work whilst on site, there is a chance to see a range of plant items which aren't items you'd find in normal engineering. Nuclear engineers are very well sort of and the opportunities for the future are astounding

Don't give up, most people get the apprenticeship on their second or third go. It isn't easy! Apply for ad many apprenticeships as possible, it is okay to do this. It shows you want to work in engineering! It also gives you experience in the exam stages and interview. Find interview techniques online, ask people and have questions for the interview - show an interest!