Manufacturing Apprentice Review

My role is to learn from the other process technicians how to operate a chemical process and run a plant. This includes computer controlling conditions, monitoring processes, taking samples of materials and performing analysis on them and also running a step by step procedure on how to complete a full batch.

I have learned many new skills during my time and also developed existing ones such as how to operate plant processes and how to perform analysis on materials. I also developed my multi tasking skills and communication skills as you need to keep your collegues informed during work. During college I also developed my maths, english and science skills further.

My programme is very enjoyable, at work there are friendly people with around 800 people working on site. This has allowed me to amke many friends in addition to the close knit group of aprentices I work alongside. The work is also very enjoyable as it challenges you to improve and pushes you to be the best you can be. Staff are very friendly and support you in your learning.

The apprentice management team are great at organising the programme. Its a huge relief knowing you never have to worry about organisational problems as they take charge of them for you. Managers keep in touch with you often and strive to improve you as a person and as a worker.

The management team are hugely supportive of me, we have 6 weekly review meetings where I report my progress and they give advice and encouragement on how I have done well and where I can improve. We also keep in touch often as they are both very approachable people, if I have a problem I feel very comfortable in asking them for their support.

The training provider is excellent in supporting me when i am working towards qualifications. The material is extensively perpared by the college and contains the relevant information to pass the course. I have done very well in my exams and when i am struggling on a topic, my tutor will always give me the one-to-one support I need.

The material supplied by my training provider is very relevant to my workplace. It teaches me about the different systems used in processes and is useful for helping me identify how these systems work when I apply it to my workplace. The work also helps me improve in my maths skills and my English skills which help me in the different aspects of my workplace.

There are many different acticities for different hobbies. An example would be the step-in club which we run which is a sponsored walk that occurs once every week. We also have yoga classes, and many events open to apprentices. We go on occasional trips to London, the Syngenta research centre, an activities adventure week, and even a simulated plant training facility which the apprentices run called CATCH.

Yes

It is a fantastic way to meet new people, learn new skills and improve your existing skills. It is a very organised apprenticeship with support given on anything you need. It is also a fantastic platform to go into higher management and the company are very supportive over role changes and will do their most to keep you happy.

The company loves people with interesting personalities, good social skills and a range of hobbies so when being interviewed just be yourself and youll be fine. When it comes to the interview, make sure you prepare because it will be difficult to answer the questions if you dont have an idea in your mind of what the answer might be. It will also settle your nerves if you are prepared and show your enthusiasm for the job.