ICA Apprentice 2nd year. Review

I am a instrumentation control and automation apprentice, I am based on a Sewage treatment works. my daily tasks are to go out with a maintainer of my skill and conduct maintenance/installations of our assets. I interact with my colleagues on a daily basis and I have the responsibility of keeping myself and my colleagues safe during work activities. everyday changes as the water treatment assets vary a lot. As part of the apprenticeship I have to complete a project which will improve a system and benefit my company.

I will gain a level 3 NVQ qualification and trailblazer once completing my apprenticeship. There is a lot of internal training such as manual handling/health and safety 4x4 driving etc. The BTEC and PEO's are external courses and are carried out at EEF college in Aston. I believe I have developed better organisation, team work and leadership skills during this apprenticeship so far. Skills I have gained to do with my desired profession are, a knowledge of sewage treatment works, I know how to use software to design HMI's and I can also programme PLC's either mitsibushi, Allen Bradley. I have gained electrical knowledge as well and also hand on skills with tools.

I really enjoy my course as there is a lot to learn on a day to day basis, I am never working in the same environment all week as the team I am in cover a county. I really like Severn Trent as they have offered a lot of support and opportunity throughout the apprenticeship so far. It has met my expectations as I heard a lot of good things about working for Severn Trent.

I do valued by Severn Trent as I am fairly skilled at my job and I also get a lot of support and time and money invested into my training from Severn Trent. I do get good feedback as well from my manager in one to one meetings. Also, I am allowed to be apart of projects such as the THP project which is going to happen at another site and I will be working alongside contractors.

The induction was organised and fun, the training for health and safety was organised and easy to get to. support from peers and managers is really good as they will answer questions when I am unsure. The studying at the college is good and is a good facility. the work at Severn Trent is delegated fairly so it can be completed.

My assessor gives me a lot of support and constructive feedback and manages to speak to me when I have problems. my instructor is really easy to get a hold off as I have there contact details,so I can contact them if I am having any issues with work.

my manager is very supportive and tries to get me on lots of training ans supports me with work and personal issues if there is any. My day to day mentor helps to answer any questions I am unsure of and helps to teach me my future profession. They let me get involved with work instead of just telling me so I can learn from first hand experience.

I believe I am paid fairly for my status within the company which is an apprentice, I can afford to live and go on nice holidays and still put money away to save due to the companies share save scheme which is beneficial. My travel costs can be quite expensive to site each week but when I am fully qualified I should be getting a company vehicle which would help massively.

there are many events outside work which I can get involved in such as career events at schools etc. there is a lot of voluntary work available to such as handing out water etc when pipes have burst. there are things we can do as well to raise money for our company charity which is water aid. when I am not working I go the gym, socialise with friends.

Yes

I would recommend Severn Trent as it is a great company with countless benefits, such as health care to a good pension to share save which can increase income. Even more, the working environment is very friendly and pleasant to work in. Training is provided and cost of travel to training is provided which is really good. the support from peers and hierarchy is very good as well.

The application process can be difficult so look back at math skills and make sure you have a calculator and take your time and don't rush. AT interviews be presentable and polite and confident, most importantly just be yourself. On assessment days, turn up early do background research of the job role you have applied for, be a team player and be confident and voice idea during team activities but listen to others ideas.