Multi-skilled Engineering Apprentice Review

My day consists of the maintenance of automated production lines to ensure the continuous flow of product continues, installation of new projects for example this year is have been part of the installation of a £9 million fully automated production line, assistance of a maintenance team where assistance is required, as well as helping maintain a clean working environment.

I have learned how to use a whole range of hand and power tools such as electric drills, dremels, electric planer, jigsaw, soldering iron, hacksaws, files etc. I have also learned how to program various machines using multiple different programming software, jobs where programming knowledge is required are quite common throughout the factory.

I enjoy everything about my program not a single day is the same and there is not a day where I haven't learned something new, I would recommend to anyone that an apprenticeship is the way forward especially with Premier Foods, the best feeling is learning in the real life environment and getting paid to do so.

My programme is fairly well structured, there are multiple different parts to the start of my apprenticeship including working in different departments such as joinery, site maintenance (working on boilers, water lines, air lines, steam lines etc.) then go on to liaising with the stores manager to see what different parts we keep in stores and where to purchase new parts from.

I receive the upmost support from my employers, there is never a time where I have had to wait or feel like I need to wait for help or advise, I never feel under pressure and when i find myself struggling with a task everyone is willing to assist and help me through, my employers are always very understanding and compliant with any of my needs.

My training provider is always trying to help me through any implications while working towards my qualifications, they are always very understanding and helpful when their assistance is required and always make time to assist me with anything, I've never been left to struggle or expected to complete any task I may struggle with alone, every task is always very thoroughly explained.

My qualification assists me with my everyday role because it gives me the insight to look at jobs from different perspectives, it helps me see the safety side of jobs and what I need to do to ensure my safety is intact, it helps me see how to tackle issues from different perspectives and what could be the problem with a machine etc, when completing my qualification I tend take notes and think more thoroughly about tasks I am doing, as well as take picture for future reference, it also ensure I gain confidence completing tasks before I finish my apprenticeship, these are normally jobs that would not be completed everyday.

There have been many activities to get involved with throughout work, there is always charity events taking place, these tend to be walks for charity or bike rides etc the most recent is walking a shopping trolley filled with Mr Kipling products to all the Donna Louise hospices in the area. As a department we try to complete some activities throughout the year with each other such as walking Mt. Snowdon on a weekend away and having social bike rides with various members of the department, I have been to networking sessions when i try and promote apprenticeships in the food industry these normally take place with schools and colleges.

Yes

I would recommend Premier foods to anyone that is looking for a profession in the food industry, the company offers many opportunities for you to improve and help you complete any job role, the staff are always very helpful, compatible and understanding, the working environment is always very welcoming and professional

when in the workplace always provide support where required, its important at premier foods that everyone is helping each other to gain the same back, there are always opportunities to complete new courses and they should always be taken when given, it good to always get qualifications when they are available.