Technical Apprentice Review

I mainly work out on site alongside an engineer. I cover BMS, Fire and Security in the projects team. We work on new projects where we commission, write software and create graphics for the customer. As I have progressed I have been given greater responsibility to complete tasks on my own. I work all over Bristol, the South West and South Wales. Rarely I am in the office as it is a site based role.

Yes, we are studying for a degree in integrated engineering at the University of Lincoln. We attend one week every 9 weeks however that has now moved to an online week due to the current situation. Weekly we have lectures after work. We get a lot of internal training on how to use and deploy our products and also on health and safety. The on the job learning is backed up by the training to make you a more rounded engineer.

I enjoy the programme as it has given me a chance to work and learn at the same time. The team I work in is small but everyone has a wealth of knowledge which they enjoy passing onto the younger generation. We have a great company culture that we put the customer first and learn everyday. The company helps push you in the direction you want to go in so there is a lot of freedom.

It is reasonably well organised, after an induction week followed by a few weeks in our training academy you go out in the field on a service placement for 3 months. After that you go into the projects placement for 6 months. This then changes to year placements where there is need and you will be well suited. You get the time for university weeks. The structure does change to the program as it is reasonably new so they are trying to perfect it.

I receive a good amount of support. I am in regular contact with my line manager about training opportunities and projects coming up that I would be best suited on. Everyone I work with is always willing to offer support and all act like mentors. Guidance with problems is good as there are always people to talk to about different problems and everyone in the company is always happy to help even if you haven't met them yet.

I myself don't feel like I receive as much support from the University and that we have minimal contact with them. We don't have any tutors but onlyu one person to send issues to. Some lecturers are happy to help with extra questions but others don't often help. Personally I don't enjoy the degree as much as the work as I prefer to be on site and not in a classroom.

The qualification gives us a broader knowledge to what we learn in our daily role, but doesn't contribute directly to our role yet. I haven't learnt anything at University that I have put into practice yet but the later years are more focused on building services so I am sure later it will be useful. I gain most of my knowledge doing my role than from my external qualification as it is a very specific role.

Not particularly as we are site based, for office staff there are more company events and clubs but as engineers we are often on sites so are out the way of the offices. This doesn't bother me as I am happy socialising out of work as engineers we all live far apart. When in training we do have chance for more social events as we are more together and get the chance to catch up with other apprentices / engineers.

Yes

I think it is a great company to work for that looks after their employees, such as offering them good perks such as bonuses, discounts and cars. The company culture is good and it is a very friendly place to work. There are good opportunities to progress up in the company and move up the career ladder or stay wherever you are happy. There is also the chance to move location with Schneider being a worldwide company.

The application process for the apprenticeship is quite short but I would say be yourself as they are looking at employing good people who will work hard. There was one assessment day which lasted half a day and included an interview, team task and a short presentation to deliver about yourself. I think it is a great opportunity to get into a career and there are lots of opportunities that you can go for while on the programme.