Technical Specialist Trainee Review

As Degree Apprentice my role involves: -Attending college on a weekly basis to work towards the Foundation Degree in Plant Engineering (Nuclear Processes and Technology) -Attend Sellafield Ltd the remaining four days a week where I am part of a plant inspection team. My role is to plan and supervise inspections.

During my apprenticeship I have learnt some new skills. For example, my communications skills have improved both verbally and written. I have attended several internal and external courses throughout my time at Sellafield to help me develop into my role and am also completing a degree alongside my degree apprenticeship.

I enjoy completing coursework required for the degree but do not enjoy the exams as much as they are challenging. With regards to work, it can often be slow and there is an extended period of time when you first join the company where you don't have a lot to do.

The degree is structured into modules taken in two semesters per year. The content of the modules depends on the lecturer - sometimes it is well structured other times it isn't making it hard to learn. There doesn't seem to be a structure when at work - it is up to your line manager what you do and how you progress.

Support is received when asked for. Monthly one to ones are held to address concerns and talk about progress. Quarterly reviews are held with the degree apprenticeship assessor which aren't as productive and only result in a bigger workload. Lectures at university are happy to support you if you ask.

Quarterly reviews are held with the degree apprenticeship assessor which aren't as productive and only result in a bigger workload. Lectures at university are happy to support you with the degree if you ask. Extra sessions are available to attend for one on one tuition if you are struggling or have resits to complete.

Out of the modules that I have completed so far for the degree course there doesn't seem to be much crossover of content that helps me perform my role better. The degree and the job seem to be two separate progression routes which aren't linked in any way

At work there isn't a huge selection of social activities or sports teams to get involved in but there is often professional networking events taking place which degree apprentices can attend to help with professional development. I don't think all available activities are advertised well to every one.

No

The degree apprenticeship is a good concept although it doesn't seem to be developed enough for it to work and flow smoothly. There are many things that aren't communicated properly and as we are the first cohort to go through the degree apprenticeship there is always a level of uncertainty.

before you apply attend open day and ask a lot of questions because the course that is advertised and the course which you do seems to be very different, it wasn't what I expected it to be anyway. So be sure that it is something you really want to do and want to commit 5 years of your life to.