Electrical Apprentice Review

Producing and understanding various electrical circuits. Mix of practical and academic work. 8 hour days mainly working in separate bays on your circuits, other classes and courses may be set up on other dates to attend. 7:40 to 16:30. Role of an apprentice is to learn and prepare for work after the apprenticeship.

I've learnt almost all of my current understanding of understanding and producing many types of electrical circuits. This involves regulations and guidelines needed in order for the circuits to be safe and working correctly, I've also leant about testing and the various tools I use when working on these circuits.

I really enjoy the course I am on, the balance of college and practical work is really comfortable and working days are good lengths. Also support and help is very easy to get from all parts of the academy, don't feel pressured to ask questions as the instructors are very helpful.

The course I am on is very well structured. Both first and second years follow a college course which includes attending college for one day a week. This allows you to continue with focusing on practical work once back at work. After roughly 18 months we are placed on site working in a new environment.

We receive a lot of support from our managers and other people around the academy, this involves help with work or out of work related issues or struggles. Instructors are understanding of any of your issues and will aim to assist you with whatever you may need help with in or out of work.

Once at college you will receive help and support from the teachers at college (BCoT), they will provide help with the assignments set. However when out of college it's more difficult to find help with assignment and most of the time I will end up asking someone else of waiting until the next lesson.

Currently the work we are doing at college is theory based and separate from the work we do at work as this is mainly practical. However I have noticed the link and advantages when learning electrical based theory. The work we do at college does have a long lasting advantage to our course.

There are extra curricular activities such as social events and sporting activities. Currently in the academy not many attend any of these events. I have heard that these become more common and appealing once out on site as you know more people. Currently the academy is a small group and many employees are young.

Yes

Very practical for where I live, as I am 16 the pay is good and the working hours are very similar to a school environment which is what I have come from. I would recommend it to anyone who enjoys a practical job as this is the main aspect of the job currently.

I would advise putting yourself out there as there are hundreds of applicants every year, also be sure of the job you want to do. Having some experience in the job you are applying for will be very helpful at putting yourself out Infront of the other applicants. Finally don't be afraid to interact with others in the academy.