Apprentice Engineer Review

My role as an Apprentice Engineer requires going to work every day knowing I am going there to learn. This open mindedness is crucial is becoming successful. My job involves setting out construction dimensions for contractors to built to. My job also involves maintaining health and safety on site, organising paperwork and ensuring the site is functioning on multiple different levels and ensuring essential things get done to make sure works can commence or continue in a safe and controlled manner.

My apprenticeship has aided the growth of many skills. These include professional communication skills, interpersonal communication skills, gaining the confidence of colleagues, the ability to be open minded and learn, punctuality, organisation and most importantly, having a 'switched-on' mentality. Being in the working environment from a young age is a very grounding and underrated conditioning process for a student to transition into a well-rounded, coherent adult.

My programme has been engaging on multiple different levels. Some of the programme's attributes include being very interesting, extremely relatable to on-the-job work, intellectually stimulating as well as professionally and socially stimulating. These factors contribute greatly to my employee satisfaction. As such, I enjoy coming to work every day.

My programme consists of 4 on-the-job working days of the week during which I am based on site. 1 other day from each week I am at the company's local head office (Shifnal) where I attend an off-the-job class. The company's chosen balance of 1:4 of classroom days to on-site days is an optimum balance because it allows integrated learning as well as practical. This is a great structure which I would not change.

When I began my apprenticeship my employer ensured that I had multiple different points of contact, including telephone numbers of people, so that if I required help or wanted to discuss something, there was always the ability to. The level of support has been of the highest form which fills me with confidence in my career with JN Bentley.

JN Bentley sourced an in-house training provider who have highly experienced trainers who are dedicated to their job. Because of this I have always been able to call/email my teacher for assistance and guidance during my course. The training provider and JN Bentley communicate regularly so there is no divide between training and work; it is seamless and works very well as one. In conclusion, I always receive a lot of support if required.

JN Bentley sourced a programme which runs parallel with the kinds of work and role I play on site. As such, I find that when I learn something in the classroom, I then see it on site, and when I experience things on site, it is more familiar to me when it is mentioned in the classroom. This allows for easier learning as everything is that more relatable as it often crosses over from site to the classroom. As such, this helps me to perform better in my job role.

JN Bentley regularly have company-wide emails inviting everyone to extra-curricular activities which take place inside and outside of work. This contributes to greater employee satisfaction and gives a great opportunity for colleagues to network and in turn, perform more efficiently professionally. I think JN Bentley is extremely good on this front.

Yes

I feel that this apprenticeship is one for anyone who may be interested in the construction industry and would enjoy the hands-on nature of the job. I also believe that this apprenticeship is a far better option than going straight to university from school as the skills learned on the job are so valuable when aspiring to make a difference when you come to work. In addition, the company supports their apprentices in pursuing qualifications if they see that as their ideal route.

I would suggest that they have a interest in the construction industry and have a 'hands-on' mentality. Applicants should be prepared to come to work to learn and take every day as a learning one and never be afraid to ask questions. I would also say that the company is a genuine pleasure to work for and that if they do their best for the company, the company will look after them.