HSRI Technician apprentice Review

1. My job title is "HSRI Technician apprentice", HSRI stands for "High Speed Rail and infrastructure; and it mainly involves the technical civil engineering surrounding the infrastructure and structures that are a part of high speed rail construction and operation. The programme operates on a basis of combining industry work with my company for 4 days a week with intensive study at the National college for high speed rail for 1 day a week; this model provides technical knowledge with industry experience. Day to day at work my duties mainly revolve around assisting different people to complete different aspects of the project, this means I have experience in most area of a busy engineering project team and have intimate knowledge of how a major project is planned, designed and built. On my one day at college, we generally have technical lectures by experts in the industry to give us an intensive view on what is actually happening in the industry in practicality as opposed to theory.

2. The qualification I am studying for on this apprenticeship is a level 4 qualification (which is equivalent to a foundation year degree), the apprenticeship is also one of the new style apprenticeships, which means that the apprenticeship is the qualification and you are graded on a pass or fail basis. Bam Nuttall have been very supportive of me developing new skills whilst working for them, for example, since joining them in January I have already been on a health and safety training course and have internally done an online course on the scope and context of HS2. Even my day to day activities within work develop my skills. I never leave work feeling like I have not achieved anything that day; I always feel as though it has been worth my while coming to work that day, which is a satisfying feeling. During my time to date working for Bam Nuttall (although how short it is currently) I feel as though I have already developed and intimate understanding of how a major project is taken care of in terms of planning and preparation.

3. On my 4 days at work I am always busy and productive doing worthwhile tasks that actually contribute to the project; not menial tasks just to keep me busy. The environment at work is easy-going and friendly, which provides a happy workplace. My 4 days at work are always enjoyed. Day release at college is always interesting and informative and has clear objectives on what the learning objectives for the lectures are and what units they cover. So far the programme has exceeded my expectations in terms of content and commitment.

4. Bam Nuttall have been my best employer to date and I am only 4 months into my apprenticeship. All work I am given contributes to the project in some way, as one of my biggest fears about joining an apprenticeship was being employed for menial tasks and not really learning anything; this has not been the case with Bam. Bam Nuttall as a company appear to me to reward hard work and dedication both company wide and in the small scale from team to team. I feel appreciated and respected by my line manager and colleagues. I feel very valued by the company due to my involvement in important tasks and their investment in my learning.

5. The structure of my programme revolves around 4 days a week at work and 1 day a week at college doing intensive study. The work side of things is very well organised as I always have tasks waiting for me to undertake on that day. The college side of things is also well organised as we always have scheduled lectures and objectives for the day. As soon as I joined I was put through a thorough induction program that focused heavily on health and safety and wellbeing at work. The induction was helpful and informative and most of all set me up with a solid understanding of the company's history and values.

My training provider is the National College for High Speed Rail (NCHSR). I attend on a day release basis on Wednesdays, and whilst I'm there I study the technical requirements of the civil engineering and infrastructure systems that surround high speed rail. The college are always supportive of my learning and development. They always push you in the right direction and provide support if you fall behind or are absent for any reason at all. There are also plenty of people there if you need support with assignments or referencing or mental health support.

B. Bam Nuttall have so far been very supportive towards both my learning at the National College for High Speed Rail and my personal development on the job. My line manager is always supportive and understanding when I have arranged extra work with the college (such as open days) and when I have to go to inductions and training courses that are away from the office. In and around the office there are also numerous people you can speak to in the form of your colleagues

My wages as an apprentice for Bam Nuttall is very satisfactory, it meets all my outgoing costs with enough left over for savings and living costs. Travel is also paid for by the company meaning I have more money per month to myself. My office is located in Birmingham City center so there is also may exciting places to go for lunch.

Bam provide many different opportunities outside of work to further your career and improve your sills on the job. Courses like health and safety and even IT are readily available resources on the Bam Nuttall apprenticeship to improve your understanding of the modern civil engineering world.

Yes

It's a great company with many opportunities and a bright future.

Be yourself and work hard and the rewards will follow.