M&E Engineering Apprentice Review

My role consists of working along side my mentor doing mechanical/design jobs with him. Working at the Foss Barrier, I have my own allocated job, which is general document control. This involves checking the latest issue of a drawing and making sure that it is checked on the manufacturers drawing register and marked off on my drawing register.

I have enhanced my knowledge and skills on the CAD software. I produced sewage isolation sketches/drawings for Howdon Sewage Treatment Works up in Newcastle. Also calculating pressure loss through pipes and checking out pump curves. Pump curves tell you how much flow and head a pump can produce. Also the efficiency of the pump.

Joining the Bentley academy allows me to go to different water/sewage treatment sites around the North East. The travelling side is very enjoyable as some weeks you are in a different place every day. I also enjoy doing my document control as it allows me to enhance my excel skills as well as boosting my discipline (being able to follow rules and instructions).

My programme is organized as I know when my next college day is and every week is full of the different jobs I am working on, like the Foss Barrier at York, which is a flood defence scheme. Howdon STW is a sewage treatment site that aids more than 1 million people across Tyneside.

I receive a lot of support from my employer. Ever since I have started, I have been looked after and treated very well and made sure that my apprenticeship is the right one for me. I receive health benefits, a car allowance, a company pension and much more. I have also recently won the works monthly prize draw, which allowed me to win some vouchers which I could spend on what I liked.

I receive good support from my training provider as this allows me to complete all tasks set and send them in so they can be marked and checked. My company also give me excellent support when I am working towards my qualifications by making sure that I am getting on alright and if I needed anything or any queries, I knew that I was only a phone call away.

This qualification helps me to understand how important some of the water/wastewater treatment projects are. Also, doing different jobs enhances my experience when doing job write ups. This will then allow me to increase my skills and knowledge in the future and will then be able to pass what I have learnt onto the younger generation.

Yes, I have been involved in the company's very own sports and social events. I went go-karting, and I have also put my name down for horse racing. These are done every month and I really enjoy them as they give me a chance to meet new people and bond with the other JN Bentley members!

Yes

I would 100% recommend JN Bentley to a friend as it is a fantastic company to do an apprenticeship in. The treatment is far more superior to any other company as you receive a wide range of benefits to help you earn your way up to a competent employee, also you are not working at the same place every day!

Make sure you know what you want out of the job role you are applying for, stick in and you will see progress. Also, if you attend the assessment day, always show confidence and a good personality. Make sure that your CV highlights the job role you are applying for too!