Maintenance Engineer Review

I am Process Improvement Apprentice. I responsible for managing improvement projects which involves managing people to meet project deadlines and fall in with production schedules. A side from projects, I am also involved maintaining machinery and learning about the production processes as well as building a working relationship with my fellow maintenance engineers and production colleagues.

I have learnt so much since the start of my apprenticeship. In my first year I was sent to a college in Chester where I did a PEO level 2 in Machining and Maintenance, along with a BTEC level 3 in Engineering. In my Second year I was on block release in Chester for 8 weeks out of the year in which time I finished off me BTEC and the other weeks I spent working onsite in Gloucester working with engineers and learning the basics of being a Maintenance engineer. I'm now in my third year and I attend a local college and Study a Level 4 HNC in Electrical and Electronic engineering. I also currently work towards an NVQ level 3. I've also had the opportunity to attend an annual Outward Bound course which teaches you several life skills. Along with that I've also had the opportunity to attend a Festo Pneumatics course, A robotics Course, Siemens PLC course and several more.

I enjoy multiple aspects but mainly the electrical training and learning that take place on a daily basis

At our site in Gloucester we have an Apprentice of the month program which encourages us to do our best. We have weekly catch up with our Engineering manager and apprentice coordinators in which we receive both praise and constructive criticism. This help keep us on track and allows us to further our learning.

My induction consisted of several theoretical tests which included Maths, English and IT. There were also several Mechanical and thinking exercises which challenged everyone that attended. There is a large focus on learning and furthering the knowledge of the apprentices in Gloucester. Due to this we are on a skills program whereby we are assessed and given training in various aspects of the site. Our learnings are also tailored to our interests and we are put in roles that interest us to further progress our interests

My tutors at college support me with work and any confusion I have with assignments. The tutors are always willing to help.

There is a large focus on support. I am assigned a mentor who I work closely with. My mentor ensures I have access to the relevant information I need to achieve my NVQ and many other day to day necessities. I enjoy working along side my mentor and having someone to talk to about any worries or issues I may have.

Unilever support the apprenticeship program fully. All our transport to training is paid for along with any accommodation costs while away on courses. As mentioned all the engineering apprentices from around the UK study in Chester which requires us to be away from home during the week. All the accommodation, food and transport are all pay for which makes focusing on learning even easier. Our salary as apprentices starts off competitively and increases annually form the first year up into the fourth year.

There are several fund raising events within Unilever where apprentices compete with other apprentices form other sites across the UK. To mention a few, on Halloween we had a pumpkin carving competition along with that we had to use the pumpkin innards to create something creative. We chose to produce a pumpkin Ice cream and a pumpkin water ice lolly. This fits in with Gloucester's theme as we manufacture Ice cream here. We also participate in a Well-being challenge on site and Red nose day to raise money for charity.

Yes

This apprenticeship pushes you out of your comfort zone and drives you to be the best you can be. Its unique as it allows you to find your niche and grow as an individual. There is no pressure to do a specific role and instead, you're able to let your interests and passion drive your learning.

The assessment day is mentally challenging. You are assesses at numerous points throughout a 5 hour assessment day. There are online Maths, ICT and English tests as well as mechanical and electrical assessments. At the end of the assessment day there is a group exercise whereby all the applicants are given a task to complete and are observed during the process. Make sure to relax and be yourself