Apprentice Assistant Solutions Engineer Review

I work in security so my day to day role is to help engineer, deliver and manage security improvement projects to the business. This involves working in the office to complete reports, paperwork and financial accounting. I also have the chance to visit sites across the Severn Trent region on a regular basis to see how work is progressing.

Without a doubt I have learnt numerous new skills. I have learnt from both my time within the company and from my studies with my training provider. Skills include SAP financial skills and other software associated with company spend. Excel skills and how to produce and manage more effective spreadsheets. I have also learnt new skills through professional traning courses such as APM project management, EUSR water hygiene card, H&S training.

Currently, I am working within a role that doesn't provide me with much engineering experience however it is still diverse and provides me with great opportunities to learn additional skills. Some days are great fun and I feel like I have achieved a lot. However sometimes, the pressure from managers, stakeholders and academic study can become too much.

The programme is generally well structured with one day spent at college per week followed by 4 days in the office. The NVQ training for civils work is subcontracted by EEF to a specialist company which provides us with in-depth knowledge to the industry. NVQ meetings are roughly every 8 weeks due to the number of apprentices enrolled which isn't ideal however it still provides me opportunity to catch-up with my assessor.

Generally, Severn Trent like to promote a relaxed environment and like to support apprentices with their academic study. At times this is clearly demonstrated however there are times when pressures from management speak otherwise which portrays lower levels of support. Much of the day to day support you receive depends on the manager you are allocated to.

Support from college is generally satisfactory with the opportunity to email and ask questions during lessons. However there are no formal reviews with college thus meaning the support relies on you flagging any issues proactively. Support from our NVQ assessor is generally good with frequent communication and opportunities to ask for additional support.

Currently, my training helps me very little in my role due to my working role being project management focussed. This is mainly due to the limited number of rolls available with high engineering focus in this business period. In the future, Severn Trent are making more engineering roles available and I am hoping this will provide me with a better opportunity to use my qualification in my job role.

There are activities available however they're not promoted or communicated well. Since starting my apprenticeship, this is something I have been working to improve as I am aware many other apprenticeships offer a huge variety of extra curricular activities. However, Severn Trent do provide opportunities for us to volunteer in the community.

Yes

The company is generally relaxed and as an apprentice, you are treated just like any normal employee.. The benefits you receive as an employee at Severn Trent are very good and you are able to make use of these pretty much from day 1 as an apprentice. The pension scheme is also industry leading which can be complimented by making use of the share save scheme.

Have a good think about what role you want to apply for. Severn Trent now offer a huge range of different schemes and you have to remember that generally once you've stared, you're in that role for 3-4 years depending on the length of the apprenticeship. Good luck.