Electrical Technician Apprentice Review

I work as an apprentice electrical technician on a nuclear power station. This involves shadowing qualified technicians thoughout their day in order to learn the various jobs that they undertake as well as the methods of being set to work, signing on to safety documents and signing off work as complete.

I have learnt many new skills to do with taking responsibility for jobs and leading them myself, there are a lot of intricacies to being allowed to work on systems at my job. I have also developed my hand skills and have learnt a lot about electrical systems and how to work on the appropriately.

The apprenticeship essentially throws you into a team of tradesmen. This means you are treated as part of the team and learn things to do with your job quickly and effectivley in order to carry it out. I'd say this system has been good for me and I've enjoyed the atmosphere that's come with it.

A lot of the programme is up to the apprentice to work out on their own. Once the apprentice knows what they are supposed to do they can drive their apprenticeship forwards indipendantly quite effectivley but it took me about half a year to figure out all the things I'm supposed to do. I could have made better use of this time if I'd had more guidance to begin with.

I recieve a fair amount of support when I seek it out and EDF have an employee benifits scheme which allows you to purchase a variety of things and pay it back to them on finance each month, which can be helpful. I'm currently not getting petrol money to get to and from college though and it is about 30 miles further away from my work once a week.

Babcock employs a lot of good instructors who are friendly and get to know you as a person and a student during the time you're with them. This means that they have a keen understanding of what you need in terms of guidance and they are ready and willing to give you it.

Not all of the training I have recieved from babcock has been all that relevant to my job however it has given me a better understanding of the engineering industry and of health and safety culture. The more relevant things I've been tuaght have been essential for my job.

Most extra-curricular activities are organised informally by the other employees rather than by EDF themselves but the people here are well connected and make sure to involve as many people as possible. EDF also provides many opertunities to do charity work and work for the local communities which they help individuals do and provide funding for.

Yes

It has been a great oppertunity for me and I have furthered my career tremendously as well as having many further opertunities for advancement in the future. Other than that, the pay is good and the work is involving, interesting and safe- as the companies safety rules are very strict.

It's a good opertunity for young people and for older people who are looking for an apprenticeship - EDF will hire anyone who is 16 years and older who have school qualifications such as GCSEs. The apprenticeship is not very easy to get into so do some research and preparation before applying but do not be afraid to try again the following year if you don't get in - it took me 3 attempts!