Maintenance Engineer Apprentice Review

To carry out planned preventative and reactive maintenence. This involves maintaining the plant equipment to ensure that it keeps running continuously - then when it breaks down I must recover the fault in a minimal amount of time and in a safe way. Whilst completing a HNC qualification and my Employers Units of Competence qualification.

I learned how to integrate into a shift. Also, I am learning different maintenance techniques and how to apply them in the work place (such as, planned maintenance, fault finding and work orders). I am learning how the equipment on my area works and how to maintain it - to maintain efficiency and quality.

I enjoy the fact that I am being paid to learn, I know that other apprenticeship schemes do not have the same pay benefits (as well as other company benefits). I enjoy interacting with different memebers of the team. I am pleased that I have been able to complete a number of qualifications.

I like the fact that I am able to manage myself at the Swindon Plant - without being micro-managed. Within the apprenticeship scheme there is a structure in place whereby more experienced apprentices teach the newer ones which seems to work. I am able to organise my own time and when I need support I will ask the necessary person.

My line manager offers support and tries to help when required. My shift members provide me support in training and learning opportunities - also whilst navigating through the business. I receive support wherby I am trusted to manage myself and they will step in when I am unable to do certain tasks - such as sorting out all of the problems with the training providers.

My NVQ Assessor provides support when sat down and asked to help. The company has been supportive in the fact that when the training providers have not upheld their role and requirements they have worked enabled us to have extra time during work time. Throughout the 4 years the training providers have eventually rectified their issues to help us.

The first year of the apprenticeship gives a good grounding for different aspects of the engineering background which helps for those who lack in experience. The Employers Unit of Competence does encourage us to look at things in more detail which is good but often not relevant within my role.

There are opportunities for extra-curricular activities which includes recruitment events. Also, there can be opportunities for people who are deemed worthy to be involved in more activities within the work place. Although it may not be beneficial to your job role. Usually supervisors are more involved within this aspect of work.

Yes

If you are prepared to work in a very stressful environment and pick up the slack of others then I would definitely encourage ; it will help you to build up your own tolerance for endurance. Also, to note often within the apprenticeship apprentices are left to resolve their own issues with the training providers without any support bein given; in my experience I have had to ask for support for those who are not responsible for that aspect. For example, with my HNC a member of the PT-36 team is responsible for overseeing but often doesn't reply to the college; so as a class we have had to involve my line manager to fulfill the roles of others.

Prepare well for the application stage ensure that you are motivated withstand challenges and pressure. Take any opportunity that may come your way. Integreate yourself within the team. Seek training and development opportunities. Focus on the work and manage your time well - do not procrastinate. Network within the company when you join.