Multi-skilled Engineering Apprentice Review

My role consists of electrical and mechanical engineering being a multi-skilled engineering apprentice, the electrical side of my apprenticeship involves tasks like PAT testing (making sure certain appliances are safe to use), wiring certain panels to control multiple machines, soldering, programming and calibrating robots, as well as general activities found in the food industries; making sure all areas are tidy and clean. The mechanical side of my apprenticeship involves general maintenance on machinery; when the machine brakes and needs to be fixed it would be my job to ensure the machine is continues to work. i also use multiple power tools and machinery for example: grinders, abrasive tables, hydraulic presses, pillar drills, guillotine. I also have to do general greasing of machine to maintain the up keep of the machines.

I have learned multiple different skills while on my apprenticeship some being using multiple power tools like grinders, abrasive tables, drebbles i have had training on lathes however not completely qualified on using them yet, same for welding, i have learned new techniques of jobs i already knew how to do like drilling, filing and sawing, i learned how to stand correctly when completing these jobs, how to hold the tools for better efficiency and a tidier out come, and much more

I enjoy my programme greatly, this is due to the fact that everyday is different, not yet have I had a day of doing the same job (unless completing large projects) everyday I have gain knowledge about different jobs and how to complete them, all of the people I work with are extremely helpful and informing as well as being very experienced in the engineering industry if it be in the food industry or not, i enjoy going on the training courses available to improve the way i work and think about completing jobs weather be on site or off, i enjoy working with the robots on shop floor and finding out what the future of the engineering industries could be.

At Premier Foods I feel very well valid, I feel valid because I complete jobs or help to complete jobs that fully qualified engineers are expected to do, this makes me feel like I am more capable of doing my job when I'm fully qualified and this gives me more confidence. I feel like my position is valued as I am able to complete tasks outside the bakery with managers and other staff like talking to students about the food industry and what opportunities there are and much more.

My programme is very structured and organised, I feel like my programme is structured this is because during the first year while I was getting used to the position and the working environment, every apprentice gets the opportunity to work with staff they probably wouldn't when qualified this consists of 3 months with our site joiner this allowed me to get a better understanding of how the company works without getting to involved, this also allowed me to learn how to use wood work tool like planer and jigsaw etc. This means that i could learn about tools and jobs i wouldn't have completed at a different company, I then went on to work with the site service engineer, this was working with piping and industrial boilers on huge scales, working with steam lines and other lines carried by pipes, this means that I got an understanding of the risks of steam and how to control it properly and safely as well as how to safely work wight an industrial boiler etc. I then worked with our engineering stores leader, this consists of completing orders for specific parts and jobs that are required by the engineers , as well as keeping our stores organised and up to date, to now where I work with our maintenance team (electricians and mechanical engineers) fixing machines and robots and making sure we make cake.

I receive plenty of support from my training providers, this is good because it allows me to keep on track with my progress through out the apprenticeship, it allows me to make sure I'm working to good standards, and making sure all work is completed, hes also there to talk to about any issues inside the work place of college.

I also receive lots of support from my employer, my employer is very understanding if there are any circumstances away from work, this is good as it makes me feel like I have less pressure on me to talk to someone if i have any issues, My employer is also very supportive when making sure i am on track with college and tasks at work and ensures i complete them to the best of my ability.

My salary is far better then i expected to be earn at such a young age, There are multiple rises as well during your time as an apprentice, these goes up in stages as your years are completed, I am able to save plenty of money as well as have a very good personal life with my money like booking holidays and spending money on my hobbies mine being cars.

There are multiple opportunities outside work some of which are training courses, visiting schools to talk about the food industries, visiting out other factories, getting involved with charity walks and runs etc, this allows us to spend time as employees doing fun yet sometimes challenging activities outside work,for example multiple engineering staff for example enjoy golf and often host a tournament between them self every year, however this is non work related yet still an opportunity gained while working here.

Yes

I feel that premier foods has helped me gain lots of knowledge throughout my time so far, I feel that doing an apprenticeship here allows a very wide range of opportunities in the future, this is for the qualifications and knowledge gained. There is so much modern technology as well as older technology therefore offering a wider range of learning, the factory is still growing with millions of pounds of machinery still to be installed and updated in the coming years as planned.

i would advise anyone that wants to apply here at premier foods to make sure you get involved, the more the worker gets involved the more rewarding it is. Another tip is try to get enrolled on as many training courses possible, if there are opportunities possible go for them even if they wont benefit you now they could in the future and there may not be an opportunity then. Also ensure that you have a final goal of where you want to be.