Apprentice Assistant Solutions Engineer Review

My job title is Apprentice Assistant Solutions Engineer. In my day to day role I work within a security specialist team which focuses on bringing security improvements to improve resilience in the business. Daily tasks include attending CDM and project update meetings. Reading drawings and project contracts. Visiting projects to see the work first hand. Currently I attend college full time which means I attend the office infrequently. This therefore means my responsibilities are minimal.

I am currently studying PEO and BTEC Advanced Manufacturing Engineering which will lead on to my HNC. I have learnt how to wire both domestic and industrial. This was covered in some of my PEO units which included wiring a ring final circuit and a two way lighting circuit. In another PEO unit, I also learnt how to install and assemble an industrial wiring cabinet. This included drilling holes to install switches and indicator lamps in the cabinet. To continue, in the office I have improved my Excel spreadsheet skills and SAP skills. I have also attended valuable training courses such as emergency first aid, Site managers forum and Water hygiene.

With regards to work, I am currently satisfied with the programme. Due to attending college full time, I am yet to develop a full opinion on my enjoyment of work. I have recently moved in the office and the team which I now sit within are friendly and welcoming which makes time in the office enjoyable. I have also worked to develop a good professional relationship with my line-manager. Company culture is outstanding and enables me to thrive in what I do. The apprenticeship has so far generally met my expectation. However it could greatly exceed my expectations if the training provider (EEF) was changed. I believe EEF lack behind the standard Severn Trent work at.

I generally feel valued at Severn Trent. My manager praises me for work I complete and during regular 1 to 1's he expresses his appreciation for my hard work. Internal recognition systems such as 'our brilliant people' have also made me feel more valued within the business. This was particularly relevant when I was nominated for an 'our brilliant people' award. I have also received regular praises from my external training provider (EEF) for my hard work at college and support with extra careers activities. Due to full-time attendance at college, my involvement within tasks and projects is currently minimal therefore I cannot comment on this.

The organisation of the Severn Trent apprenticeship scheme is let down by the organisation of Severn Trent's external training provider. Severn Trent have been very organised and have clearly outlined the structure of the programme. This was clearly displayed at the start of the scheme where we received clear information on induction events and start dates etc. However EEF lack organisation and this often leads to confusion and valuable working time being wasted. There have been occasions where rooms have been allocated incorrectly and classes have been left without a member of staff. Internal training with Severn Trent is always organised well with clear information often received through email.

Support from the training provider is variable. With regards to the individual tutors I have had on individual section (PEO) I cannot praises enough the amount of support I have received. Tutors are happy to help and give expert guidance on tasks. Some staff at EEF can however be less supportive and are often clearly under too much pressure. This is obvious when emails are responded to very slowly. There is a general attitude towards supporting us at EEF.

I cannot praise enough the amount of support I receive from Severn Trent. My manager is often my first port of call if I require support and he always responds punctually. If I do not contact my manager, then it is usually HR. They are generally good at responding to my requests however sometimes replies can be slow. Both parties always offer good guidance with my queries and display a good general attitude towards supporting me. I have had amazing amount of support from my apprenticeship mentor and they have probably supported me the most out of all parties over the past 7 months.

My living costs are generally low as I still live at home. That being said, the salary and benefits package is industry leading and makes my work more worthwhile. My travel costs are reimbursable through the company expenses policy which means my travel costs are minimal. I am able to live a good lifestyle and have a good work life balance which is enforced with my salary and benefits package.

There aren't currently many opportunities outside of work, particularly with respect to apprentices at Severn Trent. However I am currently liaising with HR to organise a committee that will be responsible for organising events and clubs outside of work.

Yes

I have been generally impressed with the apprenticeship scheme and it has helped me to develop my professional career. The scheme has great benefits and can lead to gaining a degree which would be paid for by Severn Trent. The company has a good ethos and makes you feel welcome no matter how developed your professional career is.

Display a passion for water and the environment. Display characteristics of being a 'fluid thinker' and display this if you make it to the assessment day. Don't be nervous for the assessment day, they make you feel welcome and comfortable in order for you to perform at your best. And don't worry about meeting new people as the Brathay experience makes finding new friend a walk in the park.