Apprentice Engineer Review

The first year of my apprenticeship is based mainly at IPS international college where I am undertaking both a BTEC course and a NVQ course. I have 6 different modules to complete for the NVQ and 5 different sections for the BTEC. Every now and then I get a week back at the maintenance depot to put into practice the skills I have learnt at college.

I have learnt lots of new skills on my year one college course so far. The units I have completed so far are: Wire and test where I learnt how to wire both domestic and industrial circuits for lights and plugs, as well as using and terminating specialist cables. PLC where I learnt how to programme, run and fault find on different systems. And fluid power where I have learnt about hydraulics and pneumatics. I have also learnt knowledge from my BTEC lessons including Health and Safety, Engineering Mathematics and Maintenance.

I find my programme enjoyable and have learnt lots of new skills from it which I will not only take back to my workplace but also feel I'll be able to use through out my life. I look forward to getting onto shift properly in year two and putting into practice all the skills I have learnt and developing them further within the company.

IPS college is very well organised. We had a full induction week where we were given all the necessary information we needed for completing the course as well as how to stay safe in and around the workshop. The course is very well laid out, with clear units, each lasting a set period of 6 weeks. We have notices on a notice board for everyone to look at and have the use of an online system called moodle where we can find out information for our BTEC course as well as upload assignments.

Southeastern have provided me with some support so far through this first year. However because I'm not on depot and am at college most of the time I don't really come into contact with anyone that often from the company. However, I know if I needed anything I can contact my line manager or any of the bosses from the company. My line manager has come to the college a few times to do regular reviews to make sure I'm getting on well and progressing within my course.

All the tutors at IPS college for both the NVQ and BTEC are fantastic. They have provided lots of support through out the different units I have completed so far. They are always willing to help where ever possible and try to make all the apprentices feel appriceated. They run the college like an adult work environment, so it is very different to school or college which is good.

Before applying for this job I didn't really have much experience in engineering. However in the five months that I have been at college training towards my qualification, I feel that I have learnt lots of new practical skills which will aid me in my job role when I am back at the maintenance depot. Without these skills I feel I wouldn't have known where to start.

There is a football team that some of the people play in regularly which is something I'll be looking at getting involved in when I'm back at depot. The company also try to encourage employees to take part in major sorting events which can be good opportunities to raise money for charity. One I have already looked into is the London marathon.

Yes

I think it's a fanatic company to work for. I have only been with them for a short time but already I have seen that everything is very well organised and everyone is treated fairly. There is a very well defined management structure and everyone I have come into contact with so far seem to go above and beyond to help you out. You receive lots of company perks on top of good rates of pay and a fantastic pension scheme.

I would say it's a very good idea to apply for a job with Southeastern. Try to learn as much as you can about the company so that in your interview you can show them that your enthusiastic and interested. When I applied for my job I contacted someone within the company and managed to set up a few days work experience which gave me an insight into the company and the job I was applying for. It also meant I had some things to talk about in the interview that related to the position I was applying for. Finally when going to an interview make sure you dress smartly arrive early and try to be confident.