Craft Apprentice Review

I have recently moved roles in my apprenticeship at the York Factory and joined the Site Engineering MES Team. As part of this team I am now responsible for maintaining the site manufacturing asset execution systems that keeps the factory running which is a big responsibility however I am finding this new knowledge exciting and interesting and hope to hone my skills such that I can support the factory in this role.

Since starting my apprenticeship I have learnt a great deal of valuable skills in the manufacturing engineering industry including knowledge of PLC’s (Programmable Logic Controllers) and programming. I have also learnt about shop floor maintenance, both electrical and mechanical, administrating the factory networks, and managing small scale projects from a support perspective.

I really enjoyed working with all the teams during my placements in the York factory including the support I received during this time. The engineering teams are friendly and will always explain working situations in a clear way even if there are production pressures to work around. The programme did meet my expectations and more as I have been given the opportunity to continue my development in ways in which I didn't know I could before.

I do feel that I have been valued by the company during my apprenticeship which grew as I developed my skills and gained more experience. It was tricky to establish myself again after each department change however it didn't take long to regain the trust and responsibility vital to supporting the factory.

The programme has recently undergone changes to better standardise our apprenticeship scheme and from what I have heard from last years apprentices was successful. My programme was also structured well and I had a clear progression from department to department. It became apparent nearer to the end of my apprenticeship that my skills were identified in a particular field of engineering which seemed suitable for me to step into.

I receive sufficient support from my training provider where they visit me on a regular basis to ensure I am on track. I am also studying an HNC through distance learning which I receive support for but from a email and phone perspective rather than face to face.

The factory is always open to give support to the apprenticeship scheme and there are many contacts available if I have questions or issues. There is a strong opinion that the apprenticeship scheme is very important in order to fill the gaps within engineering and so I have found it receives the respect it deserves.

The salary is definately enough for me to meet my costs and also for me to arrange time away from work for holidays, etc. Travel, accomodation, and meals for business are all covered which is a great advantage from working for Nestle.

There are gym discounts and companmy funded events which I have attended during my apprenticeship including a charity ball and various work nights out with the various teams. The business also alows two days volunteering leave for me to support the local area with charity inititives, community support and improvement, and fundraising.

Yes

There are som many opportunities within the business in various areas of work which would meet anyones expectations. Nestle is also a global company which allows you to work nearly all over the world depending on your chosen field. The perks are great and the salary above average when compared against other apprenticeship schemes. I would definately recommend the Nestlé apprenticeship to a friend.

Make sure to focus your interests on specific fields of apprenticeships for example, be prepared to provide evidence of your interest in engineering by giving examples of the bike you repaired or car you worked on before applying for an engineering technician apprenticeship. Sounds obvious but sometimes people forget the basics in the heat of the moment.