Maintenance apprentice Review

A morning meeting where the previous and next 24 hours are discussed followed by a safety message that follows a weekly theme. The team is then set to work with tasks that are required as per the weekly plan. As a control and instrumentation apprentice the work I do is calibration and verification of measurements of process variables across the power station following all general and local safety rules to ensure reliable and safe generation of electricity.

During my apprenticeship I have learned all of the relevant skills that a control and instrumentation technician would need. Some of these are calibration of pressure measuring equipment, temperature measuring equipment, flow measuring equipment, level measuring equipment and the ability to fault find on these systems should the need arise. I have also learned greater communication skills for finding answers to the problems I may have.

I enjoyed both the residential training portion of the apprenticeship and the on station skill building portion, which I am currently completing. The work is challenging but enjoyable as it allows me to constantly learn and grow my understanding and skills for working on control and instrumentation equipment on a power station.

I have found that the structure and organisation is rather well set out. There is a robust communication network between organisers and peers. I have found that during the time I was changing station the change was rather seamless. There are times when communication can break down however this has only ever been rare and on minor matters.

I find that the support I receive from my management (team leader and assistant team leader) is strong. I have never needed to seek a higher rung in the management ladder for any issues, despite the difficulties I have faced in both my work life and personal life. They have been strongly supportive.

The training provider provided the baseline knowledge during the 2 year residential stint. All of this knowledge and practical skills we were taught allowed me to return to station confident that I would be able to join the team and not feel like dead weight. I was able to take part immediately upon joining station life. As my skills grew I felt more confident in being able to lead jobs and have my accompanying technician in a purely supervisory role.

The qualifications that the training provider provided allowed me to have a baseline amount of knowledge to be able to grow as soon as I returned to the station. My ability to go on jobs and understand what was happening allowed me to grow my knowledge and skills into being able to lead jobs.

There are no recurring extra curricular events that I am aware of. It is not unusual however to have an occasional social gathering (assuming there is not an ongoing pandemic) I have heard that historically there have been motorcycle group rides, clay pigeon shooting, and anything anyone wants to organise

Yes

The apprenticeship provides a vast swathe of skills and knowledge thet are transferable to other industries, but it also provides you with a leg up onto a promising career. I have recommended this apprenticeship to others however sadly the place I initially enrolled to has closed its apprenticeship scheme

Learn how the station you are applying to works, this is crucial. Even a vague idea that can be built on is better than no idea at all. Be willing to work as a team and read the instructions. Finally believe in yourself, many skills you know from elsewhere apply (perhaps in different ways) here