Maintenance apprentice Review

As a maintenance apprentice in my second year I have to attend one day of college per week and spend the rest of my time out on placement. We rotate around each placement area approximately every 10 weeks, shadowing the maintenance team in that area and helping out with any work where we can. Due to this our role can change on a day-to-day basis, depending on what needs to be done and where we are working.

When I started this apprenticeship I had little-to-no practical experience and only basic technical understanding. From there I have had the opportunity to grow within my role and hone both my hands-on skills and technical knowledge, to the point that I am comfortable approaching problems that I would have never even encountered a year ago. There are plenty of training opportunities available, so long as you show that you are willing to learn.

I find the apprenticeship challenging but still enjoyable. There are times where you just have to focus and get the job done, but once you've finished the task it is satisfying to be able to look back on everything that you've done. You get the chance to work alongside the other apprentices, so there are familiar faces to turn to if necessary.

The basic structure is good, ensuring that you spend enough time in each area and theoretically all see the same training opportunities. Some areas are less structured than others, however, and there are times where you have to make plans on your own in order to take advantage of the opportunities that area presents.

We receive support from our employer on a fairly regular basis, and also when we request it. If you have an issue then it's on you to reach out to them for support. Entering into your second year there are fewer meetings, but support is still accessible if necessary.

We have regular meetings with our training provider every few months, and this helps them to get a gauge of how we're doing and us to see how much we have left to do. Again, support is available if you approach them for it, but for the most part any problems are tackled as soon as they arise.

Some parts of it are more useful than others, though it does provide a decent base knowledge to be built upon as we learn. For example, the technical drawing unit is fairly useful when working from diagrams of bits of equipment, while the electronic principles unit is more helpful to get an understanding of how everything works on a theoretical level.

There are some opportunities for apprentices to get involved in group challenges or charity events, such as the World Skills competition (which involves weekly practice sessions) or other charity walks/challenges. There is an on-site gym, and other such facilities, but for the most part it's up to the apprentices to organise themselves if they want to do something outside of work.

Yes

It provides a great skillset and has been of a consistent quality over these past two years. For someone entering the maintenance profession it is a good place to start, allowing for you to earn a qualification while also gaining valuable work experience. It is also a fairly flexible apprenticeship, presenting many different opportunities to learn.

Work experience and appropriate qualifications are always helpful, as is a decent knowledge of this company and its history, but ultimately it's going to be your attitude towards learning and this apprenticeship as a whole that they hold in higher regard. If you show that you are willing to put in the effort and time needed to excel, then you'll be in a good position when applying.