Apprentice Assistant Solution Engineer Review

I'm a Apprentice assistant solution engineer working in the waste water network monitoring team at Severn Trent. My daily tasks involve BAU processes as well as answering queries with contractors such as HWM and Enviromontel. My job is to assist in the solution part of my team helping with the back log of sites that need auditing or closing and sending them off to the contractors or uploading them onto a database. My internal interactions are networking with other teams that are in the office or emailing my team and other teams that are able to help or need work doing for me. My External daily interactions involve emailing our contractors with work they've requested, answering any queries or requesting information. My responsibility is to keep up with BAU processes as well as handing work in on time so the project can work smoothly and not be slowed down.

I'm in my first year so have not gained any qualifications yet but I am doing a HNC in Civil engineering which I hope to complete by next year. Although I have completed may internal training courses which some you have to do and some are optional but I have not completed any external courses. As for skills I have gained many as I came straight from full time education to a professional work environment I was able with the help of my team to mature and quickly become relaxed in a professional work environment which helped with learning need skills by networking. I've learnt that the key development of an individual is not with their ability to perform but how the team interacts with them and drives them to improve which in turn will develop them personally and professionally.

I enjoy working with my team as they have been a key part in the development of my professional career and helped me feel welcome and comfortable and given me different tasks to perform so my job satisfaction isn't affected and my motivation is high. Also, the company culture is very enjoyable as it is more relaxed than most as its down to your team to set the pace as to how you should work and is not a clock in and out work place. Overall, out of all my friends in jobs it seems where I work is the most relaxed and enjoyable in terms of the culture and my team.

In Severn Trent is mainly down to your team to make you feel valued as you get what you give and effort is rewarded with recognition which gives job satisfaction and drives you to perform. There are other ways to feel valued by volunteering for events that bottle drops and school visits where you can post on our internal social media about your success or others can post about your success. Overall I feel valued and like I make a difference and that is what drives me to perform.

I think that it is well organised and structured as I ways know what I'm doing and when from the start and I had a good induction to the company although it could have been shortened down a little and they have taken our comments and they are making the induction for the next years apprentices shorter. I always seem supported and know where I can get support from many avenues and don't have a problem with the way things are and I like the way things are done.

We have lots of support from them and make clear what is available and the way things are structured and how they can support us. We also have support from training providers that we are not linked to but other apprentices. Overall I'm happy with the support I get from my training provider.

I receive loads of support from my employer whether it be from 1-2-1 meetings with my manager where we can discuss what's going well what's not going so well, any concerns I have and any feedback that I can give to him. These meeting happen on a monthly basis and work well for me as they help make sure I stay on track and keep my focus and dive me to perform. Also, I know where other forms of support are and I can access it when ever I want.

I live at home so my costs are low but for apprenticeship Severn Trent pay very well so I am happy with the salary. Also, they have a really good pension scheme and expense programme which helps support me financially as am able to save more money for my future needs. My main cost in travelling as my team is split between different offices and have to travel to different sites regularly.

Yes there are many events outside of work during and after office hours that everyone can get involved in. I tend to get involved in school visits to promote apprenticeship schemes as well as other activities like charity walks and runs or litter picking. Severn Trent are very good at community engagement and encouraging everyone to get evolved .

Yes

As it works for me and my friends are similar to me and are interested in things I like. In terms of office culture it is ideal and is a great work environment which is very relaxed and motivated. The salary and benefits is one of the best I've seen that someone can get at my age and which my qualifications and I feel like what I'm doing is making a difference and I feel connected with the company.

Qualifications aren't everything and isn't the be all and end all of your application. I've watched may assessment centres and what is key is a drive to perform and clear enthusiasm in the business and the role you are applying for. Experience is not always necessary but only helps when you can link it to what skills you learnt and how they could help Severn Trent or help you develop.