Mechanical Engineering Apprentice Review

As a Mechanical engineering apprentice I work closely with the mechanical maintenance team. We will compete jobs day by day which involve maintaining the plant and improving the plant. The role can include a very busy day one day to a more relaxing day the next. You can be doing two completely different jobs in one day.

During this apprenticeship I have learnt a wide range of new skills and knowledge I previously had none or little knowledge on. I have been able to use this knowledge to gather an understanding of other engineering systems and techniques. The skill range from machining, hand tooling, pipe systems, pressure systems, steam generation and much more.

This programme has offered a lot of knowledge and understanding meanwhile I have been helped to manage the workload without being stressed. This correct management of workload has enabled a programme which I have and still am enjoying. Even though working in a power station is an important and a somewhat dangerous place. The working environment is fun.

The structure of the programme is well set out. Everything that is needed to be completed is known. The programme is well organised and well equipped for someone to do well and complete to a high standard where they want to do well. By having this well structured programme it makes the process easier and less stressful.

The support from my supplier is best explained to be unlimited. Where help is needed help is given whether it be from my manager to coworkers or higher management. The help is always available and never seen as effort. The employer reaches out to us constantly to make sure we are happy and asks whether we would need anything.

Support is well given. Depending on what level you want to complete your apprenticeship will depend on the level of the support provided. If the effort is put in from the apprentice they will return the effort by helping as much as possible. This mean the is good support towards gaining the qualification.

The qualifications are very well matched to my role. The interlink where passing the qualification enables knowledge to help with my working role, meanwhile my working roles gives me the knowledge to complete the qualification. This means that they both work well together and offer a good level of understanding to perform better within my role.

I am not sure of any work related activities that go on outside of work. Where I don't particularly live close to my workplace it would make doing outside activities harder. Plus as a manually intense job there is usually no energy to do anything after.

Yes

SSE looks after it's employees. Any problems and queries they are answered. The platform they have offered to complete my apprenticeship has been easier knowing I have help from SSE. They offer a good level of knowledge/stress load which is mean to help you learn a lot without it all being too much.

Go in knowing nothing about engineering, it does not matter. The support is there and the programme offers a step by step guide to making it through the qualification and giving you all the knowledge you need, even if you have no experience or knowledge prior to applying. Help and knowledge is given everyday so you never have to worry.