Technical Apprentice Review

My role as Technical Apprentice involves a variety of daily tasks that helps develop many of my skills. Primarily my main responsibilities are microbiology analysis, traceability, KPI reports and administration. This involves many daily interactions with various individuals both externally and internally from different departments, this enhances my experiences in teamwork and communication.

My knowledge of the food industry has grown significantly since starting my apprenticeship, with many skills developing during the process. Basic skills such as communication, teamwork and planning have improved that has helped grow my confidence within the workplace. In addition I have undergone many internal training courses such as food safety, internal auditing and sensory training that has help increase my knowledge of important aspects of the food industry.

I am enjoying my higher apprenticeship programme as it has allowed me to become confident in myself and reveal how a food factory work environment operates on a daily basis, everyone in my department is kind and helpful with a wiliness to help me regarding any issues or problems I may have.

At Tulip I feel like a valued member of the department and contribute to many tasks and challenges. My manager appreciates the work that I do and recognises the effort I put into each task. I am consistently involved when required in tasks and projects and understand from my manager how and what to do in situations.

The structure of the programme in terms of task delegation and training courses is very well organized, due to a role restructure I have inherited many different tasks that allow me to contributed towards many areas of the technical department and make me feel valued. Which helps when interpreting tasks in my studies. However, the structure of support studying and support mentor meetings lacks a bit as currently there is no set time for studying for myself due to increased workload and meetings with mentors are not regular.

My training provider is very good at supporting me with any issues I may have, regular tutor meetings and accessibility of support is always available when I need it. Consistent guidance during study modules is there to help understand and relate studies to work environments. Block releases to the university also help with one to one support with tutors and other students.

At work I receive lots of support from my manager and team members, guiding me in my tasks or choices during my course. The accessibility is there with regular team meetings to inform of task progress and projects. However one to one meetings with my mentor and manager are currently not conducted so changing this will increase that level of support.

My current apprenticeship salary and package is good and supports my costs, including any training it helps that expenses can be claimed for travel costs when sent on long courses. My salary helps my current living costs, daily costs and travel costs, however overtime this could increase to further help my costs.

There are occasional company events within the workplace such as raffles and seasonal events, however I am not aware of many events or activities that takes place and unfortunately due to the location of where I live it makes it difficult to be involved in events due to travel disadvantages.

Yes

My Tulip higher apprenticeship is my first Job/apprentice position since leaving six form, with the benefit of a degree alongside full time work it has allowed me to gain every possible experience within the food industry. Assisting in enhancing my skills and confidence it has help me develop myself as an individual.

From experiences and knowledge from other apprentices across Tulip the experience and opportunities Tulip allows is great, the application process is very simple and the initial onboarding process is very helpful with an induction into the factory. Meeting new people is very rewarding as it helps build up your confidence to work together with others.