Packaging Development Apprentice Review

I am in the first year of my apprenticeship so my current day to day role will most likely change as I progress. At the moment my day to day activities range from attending project calls to engaging with suppliers with members of the team to provide solutions. I have also been involved in the introduction and use of new equipment which gives the freedom to develop solutions by manufacturing samples. I have also been trained on current testing equipment which allows me to carry out testing in order to provide confidence in the solutions we develop. Liaising with factory staff to engage in factory trials is also a part of my role.

My apprenticeship has given me the opportunity to develop both academic and practical skills which is thanks to the combination of the work experience and academic learning. Through studying at University I have gained/developed the following skills: Presentation and communication Reflective practise Ethics Time management Collaboration Research Through experience in the work place at Premier FoodsI have gained/developed the following skills: Problem solving Self confidence Scheduling Communication Prioritising Critical thinking Adaptability Organisation Responsibility

I have thoroughly enjoyed my time so far at Premier Foods. I enjoy the majority of the work I carry out as it involves a mixture between desk based and practical work which I particularly enjoy. The team that I work in are very friendly and easy to get on with, they have done an excellent job at supporting me throughout my apprenticeship so far and I cannot fault them in any way. The staff that I have encountered outside of my team have been friendly and always happy to help. I am yet to come across any one who has made feel uncomfortable or unhappy.

My apprenticeship has been structured very well so far. When I first joined I was immediately given an induction plan which allowed me to track which inductions I needed to do and the person to contact to arrange the inductions. This allowed me to complete the majority of the inductions within the first few weeks of joining. University is well structured the majority of the time as there is a time table that contains all of the relevant dates for lectures and assessment submission. On occasion there have been two different time tables with conflicting dates but on these occasions we have asked the course staff for clarification.

My manager has always been there to support me and always finds time to help me despite being very busy. My mentor has also done an excellent job at supporting me despite being home based on certain days. I have always been able to get in touch with him on the days that I need his support but isn't on site. The rest of the team have been very supportive and helpful throughout my apprenticeship so far which I am extremely thankful for. Premier Foods have been outstanding at promoting support throughout the business through support lines, dedicated teams and awareness days.

The work based learning coach has been excellent at providing support throughout the apprenticeship so far. She regularly checks in on all of the apprentices to ensure that are not any issues or problems with the course or work, she actively encourages apprentices to contact her if they have any issues what so ever. The training provider offers a variety of support through help lines, one to one sessions and access to a variety of facilities.

I think that the combination of studying the course and work based learning has allowed me to apply the knowledge I have gained in my studies to real situations in the work place. Studying the course has also enabled me to develop new skills that I can apply in the work place. Without the studying side of the apprenticeship I feel that I would have developed at a much slower rate in the work place.

So far I have been unable to participate in many extra-curricular activities in 2020 due to the corona virus, I would have liked to have joined a sports clubs such as athletics and football. I have attended a number of social gatherings such as the Christmas lunch and party. I have also participated in quizes and other events organised by the social team at work. I also attended an event at the NEC with several members of the team.

Yes

From my experience, all of the staff have been excellent to work with and have always supported me whenever I need it which helps to create a comfortable and inclusive working environment. The work can vary immensely which keeps the job interesting and fun. In addition to this the work involves both practical and theoretical aspects which has allowed me to develop several transferable skills.

Make sure that you research the company history, vision and values before your interview. If you have any relevant experience, ensure that you are thorough when discussing this in interviews and back up what you are saying with examples of your experience where possible.