Engineering Technicain Review

My role as an Engineering Technician at Syngenta Huddersfield is helping to maiuntain an advanced computer controlled chemical processing plant. I work within a team that treat me no differntly because of my apprentice status, i am given respect and resposibilities just like everyoe else. On a day to day basis i attend / contribute to our moring meeting arranging the days work, this work can vary from routine inspections carried out every 1 / 3 / 6 months to reacting to any break downs that way have occoured. This varys from pipe fitting, valve and gearbox replacements, mechanical seal replacements and much more.

Absolutley, since starting my advanced apprenticeship with Syngenta, i have gained many new skills not just in engineering. By working for a large organsiation that pushes me to take charge of my own career, i have learnt how to manage my time, conduct myself in profesional enviroments, how to display the right attitude and body language. my Training has not just given me basic engineering skills, Syngenta has sent me on multiple training courses to give me a wide range of skills in other areas such as rigging / crane signaling, MEWP, forklift, confinded space, breathing aparatus and much more. This combined with my engineering skills ranging from basic had fitting to machining and engineering maintennace have made me into a highly skilled engineer.

I am in my fourth year of my Apprenticeship with syngenta now about to come out of my time. Over this 4 years i have enjoyed the programme very much so. I believe i made the best choice leaving school, my managers and colleagues have made my experinces as transition to working life fantastic.

The program is extremely well structured. From the first day an apprentice joins the company their full 4 year apprenticeship is planned out. Their accademic mile stones are set, external cources are planned, onsite placements planned ect. Almost everything is set in a structured fasion for us when we strart making our journey much easier.

The level of support i receive from my employer is fantastic, my appretice manager is always happy to help with any enquiries i have, work based, college based or even just to have a general talk it is a very relaxing enviroment. On my plant based placements my peers are very happy to sit down and explain things to me. I am part of the work Union that is available to everyone for suport in any grievence cases.

My training provider has given adiqute support throughout my apprenticeship, throughout my NVQ L2 / 3, Btec level 3 and HNC level 4 Kirklees college has provided technicians, tutor and lectures to support me and my class mates in achieving these qualifications. they have provided the time, effort and resources to make it possible.

My qualifications vary in how much they contribute to my perfomance at work. The practical qualifications gained at college set me up for being ready to advance that to my specific work requirements. Some of the academic work is relevent and can be used to advance the older ways we work and some of the academic work cant be brought over to my industry but is still good to have.

There are several extra curricular activities to do at work, their is regular voluntary work that i can put myself foreward to do in the local comunity, the leaership team runs a lunchtime walk where employees can have a stroll around to get out of the office. I myself have been on several apprentice activities and residentials for team building.

Yes

Its a fantastic company that offers one of the best apprenticeships in engineering that can offer a young person a full well paid career if they so chose. The people you meet and work with can be life long friends. They industry standard qualifications gained through the training scheme can really set a person up for a bright future.

Ensure that you have put the effort into your school work before applying. Syngenta values attitude over anything, make sure that you have the right attitude for moving into the working enviroment. Be ready to work hard, syngenta gives alot for its apprentices but it also expects alot back from them in terms of their effort into their accademic and work based time.