Control Technician Apprentice Review

The role during the first year mainly entails training and learning skills for work in the future. After the first year, placements will occur at the plant where the skills learnt will be put into practice. A day-to-day basis differs based on what rotation you are on and therefore is not the same everyday.

Despite developing existing skills, I have learnt a range of useful and practical skills. Each rotation focuses on different practical aspects so areas where skills that have been learnt/developed include: handfitting, electrical, welding, electronics, pneumatics, and milling. Furthermore, working in these practical aspects with others of similar caliber have helped to develop my communication and teamwork skills.

Despite only being a first year, the programme is thoroughly enjoyable as new skills are learnt. Not just new skills that will be used once or twice, but actual practical skills that can be used outside of work. Because of this and the inclusiveness of the programme, I am looking forward to the rest of my time at this apprenticeship.

Monday's are considered theory days, where we are taught by bmet. The rest of the working week - Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday - are considered workshop days, where practical skills are developed by undergoing various rotations. Due to this set structure, I believe the programme is well organised, easy to understand, and structured professionally.

The employer ensures that everything is going smoothly at work and the apprenticeship. Reviews occur every three months where pretty much everything necessary is discussed and anything new is explained. This is done in a friendly, engaging manner where it does not feel like an interview but more like an actual conversation where opinions are listened to.

Any questions, queries, or problems encountered can be resolved with help from the employer. There is a friendly demeanour and approachability amongst the tutors and they will assist in any way they can. Furthermore, supervision from said tutors allows them to input when necessary - meaning that they provide their own support when deemed necessary without having to be prompted.

The theory learnt through the qualification from the training provider actually applies to some of the practical aspects used in the roles currently undertaken. For example, the electrical rotation. Understanding theory such as Ohm's Law, Kirchoff's Law, etc, helps to understand components and why certain values are used in practical applications.

Extra-curricular activities do occur at the workplace. However, due to the current pandemic, most of these have had to be stopped or postponed. Regardless, once restrictions ease up and the situation gets better, activities will resume (e.g. work football team, half-marathons, residential trips, professional networking events, and many others to get involved with).

Yes

I believe the skills that are taught here, both theory and practical, are imperative for anyone striving in this field of work. Furthermore, there is a great working ethos amongst staff and peers alike, such that working hard is natural - it really helps you to develop as not just an employee but also as a person.

Have an honest passion for wanting to work here. Understand the role you are applying for and genuinely apply with the utmost effort. Research the role and the company beforehand. Include examples of your passions and correlate them to the role - engineering, mathematics, practical passions etc. Finally, I would iterate giving example that reflect the core values, RATTO.