Higher Apprenticeship Review

My role within Siemens as an apprentice is currently a Control engineer, on a day-to-day basis this involves, configuring substation control devices such as AKs, Siprotec 5's and BCs to control and trip the switchgear within a substation. Within the control engineering role I also have to test the configuration work done to ensure it functions to the customers requirements and produce a HMI as a control point for the devices configured.

Since starting at Siemens I have learnt a great deal of new skills including a greater understanding of the logic used within configuration, how to produce a HMI from start to finish and further developed my skill of interpreting schemes used within the project. Other skills I have developed include being able to wire control devices correctly and set up test equipment required for the project.

So far i have enjoyed the programme a great deal, the people I work with have really helped me understand the systems i am working on and the projects i am involved with are very interesting, I have enjoyed developing a better understanding of the transmission industry and the business as a whole.

At the beginning of the programme there was no real structure and ended up being placed where they needed the resource, however since then a proper plan has been set out until the end of my apprenticeship which takes into consideration the units I am doing within my NVQ to help me achieve them in the easiest and best way possible while still getting a full insight into the business.

My employer has provided me with large amounts of support through my apprenticeship, there have been regular reviews as to how both college and my work placements have been going and I am able to bring up any problems during the reviews and they will be dealt with to ensure i continue enjoying my apprenticeship.

As mentioned before I receive a large amount of support to help me fulfill my qualifications, this has come in the form of a plan for my placements during my apprenticeship so i can easily gather all the evidence required during my NVQ, support was also given to me when I was at college to ensure I had the help I needed to achieve the grades I wanted.

The units within my NVQ I am working towards where decided between me and my manager, this was for us to get an understanding of what I wanted to learn and what is achievable within the company, by doing this I have ended up with units that keep me focused on what i need to learn within the business which helps me better perform my role within it.

Within my company there is a large drive for fitness since many people within the business work at computers all day, this drive in fitness comes in the form of boot camps and yoga that anyone can join in with, the company also does large amount of work for charity and has a intranet tool that shows you all the activities that are going on in the area.

Yes

Working at Siemens has given me a greater knowledge of the transmission industry and they have been actively helping me with all my qualifications, I see a future with Siemens and the staff that work here are all happy to share their knowledge to you. I believe there is a lot to get out of an apprenticeship with Siemens that can help you with your career.

Ensure you read up on what the part of the business you are applying for does within to present a good understanding and enthusiasm towards the work you could potentially end up doing, also ensure that you show them hobbies and interests that can relate to the work you will be doing within the company.