Naval Architect Apprentice Review

As a second year apprentice my day to day roles can vary depending on the tasks of a project. My role is to help and assist other members of staff where i can while learning the key skills i will need to take with me throughout my career. This is a brilliant way of working as i am rarely repeating the same job. Some tasks may take priority over others so i mix between practical work and office based work. By doing this i am constantly getting a better understanding of how the company work which is helping to build my confidence and take on more responsibilities. When a new task is introduced to me i get given the correct advice and help needed to complete the job independently.

Problem solving is a skill that i am always having to rely on. As different tasks may vary the ability to find new ways around completing them is never not needed. Along with this communication has also been a big part of my transition from a college based environment; where i spent my first year, to the dockyard. This is a skill which i have found to be the most developed as you are not just working with Babcock staff but with members of the Royal Navy and need to adjust as such. I am constantly learning and refining so many skills, organisation, time management, planning, self confidence and more which each and every day i work.

I love what i do and have been enjoying my apprenticeship from day one. Everyone is very supportive and willing to provide help and advice along the way. Working as part of a team and the social aspect of the job is one of the things i enjoy most. This is different to anything ive done before and this experience has taught me i enjoy more aspects of work then i thought i did at the start of my apprenticeship.

The entire structure of my apprenticeship has been very well organised. Even through this pandemic where times have been uncertain and unpredictable at no point have i been left without a clear path of how i will progress. When the pandemic hit, Babcock were extremely quick in safeguarding me so that i wouldn't miss out on any key experiences or skills within working life. I also never missed any higher education needed to complete my courses in order to finish my apprenticeship as this moved to online teaching and extra support sessions.

As an apprentice I supported in everything i do. I have an Apprentice Development Manager that oversees my apprenticeship and will guide and support me throughout and when working i have a mentor that will work with me in building my skills and abilities within the dockyard. For Higher education i am able to talk and message my lecturers for support and guidance.

We have structured and planned lessons weekly to cover everything needed in order to complete our courses. Along with this we are able to ask questions and receive the support needed if any issues arise. For any concerns we have more support can be given in the form talking though the information differently and having the opportunity to have one to one talks. Recordings of lectures are also a big help when completing courses as we are able to look back onto past work for any information needed.

I feel that completing my qualification with my training provider has helped massively in terms of applying my knowledge on the job and putting the theory i have learnt into practice. I feel that i have better knowledge on the industry as a whole and of the individual sectors within it. The lessons and lectures i have completed through my training provider have made a huge difference when working in my day to day job role as i feel more confident and secure with my knowledge.

There are several different training courses that are available to complete alongside the general job role, for example there are first aid training sessions; mental health training sessions. There are many different activities such as sport or social events and you get notified by the apprentice manager when these are available. However due to the pandemic there have not been many events held.

Yes

Babcock offers a once in a lifetime opportunity to experience different engineering job roles that no other company has to offer. You will never work on the same specialised equipment like they have at Babcock anywhere else. You will probably never work with colleagues that have as much experience and knowledge as they do in the dockyard.

Always be yourself, never shy away from seeking the advice and support that you need because somebody will always be happy to help you. Be open to new experiences and take opportunities that arise to help your career develop. Talk to other members of staff and find out what they do and their previous experience, take an interest in this as they have valuable knowledge to share.