Process Hazaards Experiemntalist Review

My role is a Process Hazards Experimentalist. This involves carrying out testing to determine the thermal stability of research and development products as well as existing products. i also look at the process safety of reactions and processes carried out on plant, and look at maloperations to ensure that the plants can run as safe as possible every day.

I have learnt lots of new technical skills while being in my apprenticeship, using lots of different pieces of kit and techniques. I have also developed my organisational skills, having to plan my own work daily to ensure I meet my targets for the week and get all my work finished to meet deadlines. My communication skill shave also improved through meetings with my colleagues and more senior people within the company.

I really enjoy my apprenticeship programme as there is a lot of scope for me to develop myself both in a professional and educational capacity. The people I work with really make me feel part of the team and a valued member, and they see me as more than just an extra pair of hands.

My induction was very intense and was extremely helpful in helping me adjust to a working environment, as it covered everything from working on a chemical site to pensions and human resources side of things, my training was also good, especially on the job, and I was always given the time and help needed to complete my college work. i was given a training supervisor and a manager to oversee my college work as well as an apprentice from a different year group to act as a mentor if I needed someone to talk to.

I receive lots of support from my employer, I have monthly meetings with my manager to discuss my progress and development and this is an opportunity for me to discuss any issues I fell I am having, which are quickly dealt with. The HR team is easily accessible and there are often emails sent out about ensuring you are keeping healthy etc, and webinars on getting better sleep, how to deal with stress or other mental health issues, all of which can be attended during works time.

I though the support I received from my training provider could of been better, I think there weer a lot of other issues going on at the college at the time and felt sometimes lecturers were too busy with other things to really be giving the classes 100% of their attention.

I think my qualification gave me the basic skills needed to work in a laboratory environment, however as my role is so niche there isn't a lot of times where I am able to use what I have learnt. However, it will be more useful if I am ever to move into a more generic lab role.

Every year we have a 'site engagement event' which is an opportunity to talk with more senior management about the site and company performance, I think this is good as you see more clearly how the working you're doing fits in. We also organise lots of social events both on site and within departments, as well as apprentice social events, which is a good way of seeing people in different roles to you and how their apprenticeships work.

Yes

I think Syngenta is a very good company to work for, and I feel very valued as an employee. The apprentice community is good within Syngenta, and you always feel supported and like there is somebody you could go to for help, no matter what aspect of the apprenticeship it was you were struggling with.

Make sure you are prepared to work hard, as if you work well and put in the effort, it is noticed and rewarded. The apprenticeship is very rewarding but it is a lot of work, as you are balancing a full time job role and a qualification which can be quite tiring.