Apprentice Traveling Technician Review

As a traveling technician you are expected to go wherever the demand for work is. This will usually be your site for a year until it is reviewed however it can vary. As a technician your job role entails servicing wind turbines, troubleshooting, retro-fits, etc. Depending upon you site and the weather it will be a CTV (Crew Transfer Vessel) or helicopter transfer to the WTG. Once at the WTG you will carried out the detailed tasks. As traveling technicians we usually work a 2 week on, 2 week off shift pattern, however this is subject to change.

During my apprenticeship I have been given the opportunity to develop all of my skills, communication, team working, technical skills etc. These are tested everyday in the constantly changing environments that we work in. We are given the opportunity to work with highly technological machines and software. I have been able to get training for working offshore, at height, in confined spaces etc and developed my skills within first aid, rescues, electrical and mechanical principles and many more.

The apprenticeship is enjoyable, you are given ample opportunities for development which is perfect for someone who wants to strive in the renewable energy sector. It has a good work/life balance which as a company we think is very important to healthy development. You are given the opportunity to travel the country and meet loads of new people.

At the start of the apprenticeship, due to the merger with Gamesa the structure was changed slightly which presented itself with problems, however now that the problems have been overcome, the apprenticeship has regained its structure with a well planned development matrix. This gives us, as apprentices the opportunity to plan our development and gain what we want to see and get from the programme.

Employee support is massive within SGRE. We are encouraged to support others with all aspects of working life, whether that be finding accommodation, to support for our qualification. Techs are informed that we require certain jobs etc to complete our qualification portfolio and these are then planned into daily work which assists our development. Everyone is happy to help, and the online support that is available is second to none.

Feedback from our training provider is mostly online, we receive detailed feedback on our work and meetings often so we can establish what is expected from us. If any problems arise they are sorted quickly and efficiently and any concerns you may have can be voiced openly as we have a #talkwithoutfear and #questionit policy. The only issue I see is the turn around time for work, this can be timely however the level of feedback we receive compromises it.

The qualification we are completing is tailored to our job. It asks us to meet criteria which allows us to develop in areas which we would not usually integrate with. It drives us to research and ask questions which further develops our knowledge within engineering and other aspects such as people skills, team building, hazard awareness etc.

Opportunities for extra curricular activities are widely available within SGRE. Organized volunteering is completing at least once per year, social activities such as celebrating x amount of days since the last LTI (Lost Time Injury) and various extra courses such as advanced rescue, health and safety training etc are available widely. You are also encouraged and supported with organizing your own extra curricular events.

Yes

It is an excellent apprenticeship programme with proven benefits. Previous apprentices are now site managers which just proves to everyone that it is possible and that apprentices within SGRE are valuable to the company, not just a tick box to say that they do it. The support within SGRE from all staff and contractors is excellent, you are treated with respect and are considered a valuable asset to the company and site that you work for.

Research the company prior to you application. Don't hold back, get your application in as early as possible. The turnout for apprentice applications is through the roof for only a selected amount of positions. Ensure you know the basics at least about renewables, how a turbine operates and general health and safety concerns which are present in the job.