Power Engineer Review

Currently full-time at Newcastle University and only in Siemens on half-days or whenever I am not at university. Day to day is attending lectures or being given training when in Siemens. Siemens are providing excellent training in house through experienced workers and managers who are all available for help when needed.

Communication is a continuous improving skill due to being introduced into a lecture of 300 people and a worldwide company, causing me to adapt and get talking to everyone in order to collaboratively work together. Team working has also been improved as I have been placed in a small group who I require to ask necessary questions to.

I generally enjoy working within Siemens due to the professional environment and everyone always being willing to help me. However I am not enjoying University due to the teaching style and the inability to get help as often as id like. Siemens however do help with university when needs be.

The structure is excellent. Firstly I am gaining relevant theoretical knowledge knowledge at university while being able to put it into practise in the workplace. However I am learning more relevant knowledge within the workplace than I am at university due to some modules not having much practical use at all.

I receive a lot more support from my work than I do from the university lecturers and personal tutors. Everyone that has supported me so far has been very knowledgeable and thus has provided support within the workplace and for my studies. This is very helpful as I have time in work to ask for support.

In terms of support from the university (being my training provider) I receive very little due to lack of communication between us. In terms of Siemens being a training provider, they have been brilliant. From allowing me time in work to work on university things, to providing lab training for things I will be doing when I am in the workplace.

So far any training I have received in the workplace has been relevant to the job that I will be doing in the workplace. My qualification however I am struggling to see any practical use to the majority of the theory I am learning. This may change as i progress through my apprenticeship.

There are plenty extra-curricular activities to take part in. This ranges from meals and drinks throughout the year, volunteering to talk to school kids about apprenticeships, day out trips to flamingo land and many more. These are great as they help you get to know your workers better and therefore improves the working environment.

Yes

Siemens is a well-renowned company that provides great experience to workers, outstanding training in house as well as supporting you through college or university. I would recommend to anyone that wants to advance there career in this sector or wanting to get started and onto the learning ladder within the industry.

Be yourself in the interviews. In my experience the interviews were not heavily competency based and are more looking at how you are as a person. Be willing to learn as well as working independently. Ask any questions you need to no matter how stupid they may sound as someone will always be willing to help.