Apprentice Planner Review

I am an apprentice planner - this involves managing the programmes for different projects (in my case sewage treatment plant works) and ensuring that we are staying on track to reach the end date that has been set by the client. I do different things either day - including attending programme review meetings or creating new programmes to be inputted into the old programmes and interact with a lot of different people as there are a lot of different inputs needed to create a working programme.

I have learnt a lot of new skills, I have worked with a lot (and had training courses) for the program I have to work with daily so this would be a new skill and I am also doing a BTEC level 3 in construction and the built environment which has helped me gain a lot of knowledge of construction - not just for my job role but for construction in general which I think is very beneficial.

I think it has been great, I enjoy doing what I do and work with a lot of great people that would always help me if I needed any help! The company have been great in making sure I get adequate training and there is a lot of support available for me when I need it. It has definitely met my expectations!

I feel very valued, they make sure that I have support there and set up meetings and also have a lot of recognition for what we do. We have pay reviews every 6 months which make you feel very valued and rewarded for what you have been doing. There is always someone there that you can speak to if you have any problems.

At the beginning it felt a little bit unorganised as getting things set up with college took a few weeks, however when this was set up things have gone fine and at work it is clear what I need to be doing and always have support around me if I am struggling.

They have had meetings to me to make sure I am getting the right support and to make sure college is going okay and not getting on top of me. My tutors at college are always there to help me with my assignments if I need it, so overall I would say you get a great amount of support from the training provider.

My manager is always there to support me and will help me to the best of his ability, which is the same with the appropriate people in the HR team that deal with all the apprentices. My mentor always makes sure I have stuff to do and explains things to me very clearly to make sure I understand what I am doing and why I am doing it.

The salary meets the costs quite well, especially considering you get your college courses etc. paid for. It is also set up that apprentices get a pay rise every 6 months which helps to motivate you to put the best that you can into your work in order to qualify for that pay rise.

There are a lot of different company events to attend, especially charity events where I work which is really nice to see - for example there is a 10k run/walk coming up shortly to raise money for the Samaritans which is always nice to see. There is also a chance to have extra paid leave if you are volunteering.

Yes

They like to look after their staff and will always have support available for you, for example we have mental health first aiders on our framework to ensure that there is constantly support there for people that are struggling.

The application process is straight forward and the interview, for me, was explained very well on the day which puts your mind at ease and will help you to be less nervous. The onboarding process was very easy with constant contact from HR and everything set up ready for when I started working. It is a great opportunity with the chance to work with experienced people that can really help you in your career.