Safety Apprentice Review

I work in the Safety Services department, where my role is to aid in the monitoring of regulatory compliance throughout the business. This involves liaising with members of staff from all areas of the business, completing monitoring reports, and maintaining compliance diagrams and tables.

I've learned what it's like to work in a professional corporation, enhanced my verbal communication skills through the delivery of regular presentations, and developed an ability to know when is best to apply certain knowledge/skills/behaviours. I've also developed a greater understanding of ATM and UTM, as well as some softer skills like how to use more features (such as VBA) in Microsoft applications to increase productivity.

I thoroughly enjoy my programme. Without it, I would not have had the opportunity to work at NATS, let alone to do all of the various tasks I have been able to participate in. Additionally, the programme has allowed me to expand my knowledge regarding Safety Management and I am now being given the opportunity to apply that knowledge through the application of a work based learning project which I am passionate about deploying.

At the start of the programme, the organisation and coordination between my company and the university was poor. There was little clarity on specifics, such as when the programme is expected to be completed and what happens after the EPA. Since then, organisation and clarity have improved, however the lack of these qualities at the start of the apprenticeship did contribute to some stress, which is the reasoning behind my lower rating for this question.

I truly think I receive maximum support from my employer. Not just from NATS as a business, but from individuals within the business, such as my line manager and others within and beyond my team that I liaise with. I never feel that I am a nuisance to anyone and I always feel that the business and those within it want apprentices around and recognise the value in supporting us.

The training provider offer substantial support. I have never had an issue accessing support from tutors/lecturers/supervisors, and there always appears to be a general desire to help. Even when situations have arisen with which I was unhappy, they were resolved in an effective and timely manner.

Although I do not work directly in Safety or Risk Management, as is the subject of my Degree Apprenticeship, the skills I've acquired from the Apprenticeship have significantly helped me be able to do my job well. These skills include: verbal and written communication; knowledge regarding organisational safety concepts, such as organisational learning, crisis management, and strategic risk and risk behaviour; and confidence in my knowledge and abilities.

Yes, there are plenty to choose from. There is a sports and social club, which (before COVID-19) organised events, allowed access to the office gym, and distributed tickets to days out (e.g. the zoo, the theatre, sporting events, etc). There are also separate sports clubs, diversity networks, language classes, and more.

Yes

Working at NATS has been an absolute pleasure. I have learned more during this Degree Apprenticeship than I would have just from studying full time for an MSc. It feels great to work for a company that truly values its employees and recognises the importance of supporting young people early in their careers. I would recommend NATS to anyone who wants to enjoy their work and feel valued by their employer.

Don't be put off by the apparent technicality of the industry. You don't have to know anything about Air Traffic Management to get a job at NATS, you just need to show that you are willing to learn.