Engineering Apprentice Review

I am an apprentice maintenance engineer at Nestle. I attend college once a week on day release to achieve a level 3 qualification in ops and maintenance. For the other 4 days a week I work onsite a t Nestle working alongside the other apprentices and engineers. Day to day my job is to carry out reactive and preventative maintenance on the machines.

During the first two years of my apprenticeship I have learnt many new skills. At college I lean the basics of electronics and maths used in engineering as well as topics such as hydraulics and pneumatics. I have got a PEO in engineering as part of this I learnt how to Weld and fabricate as well as be able to carry out machining tasks safely.

I am happy with my chosen programme, I enjoy coming to work every day as engineering is something I am passionate about. I also enjoy going to college. At college I am able to learn new skills that I can then put in to practice once onsite at work. My apprenticeship has exceeded my expectations as I did not think I would have some of the skill so do now this early in my apprenticeship.

I feel very valued by Nestle, all my needs are met at work. I constantly receive positive constructive feedback from both my line manager and my assessors, as well as praise from the engineering team. I am always involved in big projects as part of the engineering team. Recently I took part in the Toffee Crisp shutdown, this allowed me to be involved in bigger maintenance tasks.

My programme is very well organised. I follow a set planned structure through the four years of my apprenticeship. This allows me to gain a PEO in year 1, a level 3 in year one and two. And advance to a level 4 HNC for year 3 and 4. I also have to opportunity to experience different departments throughout the factory widening my knowledge.

I receive all the support I need from my training provider I have a review with my training assessor every eight weeks. This allows him to review my log book, check up on college work and solve any current issues I am facing. At college there is always someone there to support me if I need it.

I receive as much support from work as I need, there will always be somebody I can go to if advice or support is needed. This could be my line manager or HR if needed. Or for day to day issues such as being stuck when making or fixing something someone from the engineering team will always be present for support and advice.

My salary more than meets my costs. Work is local so travel costs are kept to a minimum. Nestle offers a very attractive wage for apprentices, this allows me to save money every month. As an apprentice every year my wage goes up as I will have more knowledge and experience.

There are always things to get involved in outside work, Nestle has an onsite gym with lots of facilities. There is always opportunities for lots of volunteering charity activities. Nestle offers an extra 2 holidays a year to employees for volunteering outside work. Nestle has a chosen charity which is currently Macmillan.

Yes

The apprenticeship is of high quality and I enjoy coming to work everyday.

The application process can be hard however I would recommend thinking about every question asked carefully before answering.