Technical Apprentice Review

I am training to be a qualification technician and my role involves writing test procedures and reports as well as assisting with the testing. The testing includes both environmental and EMC testing on a number of different products. We work on on site products and also products of external customers.

Yes I have learnt a developed a variety of skills as a result of the 6 week placements and the offsite education. Offsite is where I developed basic skills such as soldering and general tool handling skills. On site is where I learnt how to use different test equipment and operate different equipment.

My programme can be interesting at time. When there is work to do it is very enjoyable and I like being able to come in and crack on with a task. There can be times where there is little to do and this can be quite boring, but it is mostly okay.

The programme is well structured and a clear layout is given to us and explained from the beginning. It includes just under a year off site in order to develop basic skills, followed by six week placements in multiple different areas. Finally we interview for our favourite placement and hopefully get offered a place.

I receive a fair amount of support from the employer in terms of safeguarding and well being. There are many different sources of information and help on site. In terms of the off site education, there has been less support in terms of the employers communication with the college, but all in all its good.

We get taught most of what we need to know in lessons every Friday and this covers a large chunk of the support we receive. The training provider are okay when it comes to getting extra help but I wouldn't say theyre brilliant. Further support could be given to make life easier.

I feel as if about half of what I learn at my training provider can be implemented in my actual role within the workplace. A lot of what I learn is interesting but will never be used in the workplace but I still find it interesting. Most of the stuff I get taught will never be implemented and isn't relevant.

There are many different extra curricular activities that you can get involved with at my work. Events such as 5 a side football tournaments have been held and a large number of teams were entered. The site also hosts quiz nights and comedy nights where you can bring people outside of the company too.

Yes

Its a good environment with many positive benefits. Some benefits include the employers share scheme and the unique retirement plan. Others include the ability to work flexible hours and also being able to make up hours to have a half day Friday, which is quite nice. The products that are built and tested are also very interesting.

My advice would be to make sure that you are applying for the role you want to work in. Read into the types of products and testing you would be doing and make sure that it is for you. I would also suggest doing a bit of research on the company just for a little bit of background knowledge.