Control and Instrumentation Apprentice Review

My role as a Control and Instrumentation Apprentice entails getting to work ready for 0800hr, going through our daily safety messages and being set to work. Our role involves maintaining and calibrating all equipment on-site that involves: pressure, level, temperature and flow. This can be anything from a pressure switch all the way to stroking and setting up large valves. The role entails a lot of work where we have to make our own isolations, this is extremely important that it is done correctly and emphasis the criticality of our role.

I have learnt a multitude of new sills, as joining the apprenticeship after school I did not have much hands-on experience. The apprenticeship has given me endless opportunities to learn new skills and have encouraged further education. Some of the skills I have learnt include; instrumentation and control technical competencies, safety culture and also a broad engineering understanding.

I have thoroughly enjoyed every moment of the programme. From the two years spent in Portsmouth where I learnt most of the theory and also spent time in foreign countries learning about how to travel safely. To the second half of the programme which included coming home and learning about station life, as well as learning my role as a technician.

I think the structure of the programme was perfect. Spending two years away from home, learning and developing as an individual. Where you learn some hands-on skills but mainly the theory behind your job role. Then you come back to your station and turn your theoretical knowledge you have gained into practice.

There is endless support provided by our employer. I have experienced this first hand by being supported in further education and then being fully supported in a scholarship which will enable me to complete a BSc(Hons) degree. The employer also supports the apprentices through our two years away from home with regular catch-ups and talks.

When working towards our qualifications we received full support that we required. I achieved a D*D* over my BTEC's and a 98% average across the internal IMT exams. I felt that we had all the support necessary to be successful. Nobody across the scheme failed which is a real positive statement regarding support.

All qualifications that I have gained during the programme has been exponentially beneficial to my job role. The qualifications have furthered my knowledge and gave me a strong foundation that I can build on over my apprenticeship. Without these, it would be much tougher to understand the basic principles that we apply on a daily basis.

There are some extra-curricular activities that people can get involved with at work that include: table tennis, football and an annual downhill cart race. Table tennis is available over lunchtime which has its own leaderboard and football happens on a weekend which is played maintenance vs operations. We do also have Christmas social parties that are paid for by the company, but I am unaware of any networking events.

Yes

It is a great opportunity where you get paid to learn. An apprenticeship with EDF allows you to gain key skills that are transferrable as well as not ending you up in debt like a university. If you are the type of person that will jump at any opportunity then the scheme is fantastic as there are so many available.

Do not hesitate to apply. Be bold and don't be afraid to try something different. Understand that EDF is a company that you can be proud to work for and have a successful career in. The advice I would give is to have an open mind and be yourself.