Environmental & Sustainability Apprentice Review

The role varies on a day-to-day basis. It can be collating data for reporting purposes, visiting sites and conducting inspections, researching new technologies, writing case studies, giving presentations. And of course, attending University to learn about the environment.

I have undertaken required internal courses on the environment, Health and Safety, data protection etc. I have also been given the opportunity to do the Gold Duke of Edinburgh Award, and a Mental Health First Aider. It is all very much a learning process of how to do the job.

I enjoy the programme the majority of the time. People at work are all lovely, incredibly friendly and happy to answer questions. My team is also excellent. Sometimes what is expected of me is unclear. The University work is also clear in its expectations, and is often interesting.

The University/structured training aspect is well structured. There are lectures each week, and the assignments are fairly clear in terms of expectations and deadline. The tutors and lecturers are keen to answer questions, and my support at work is excellent. There remains some confusion concerning what I should be doing.

I have a line manager who I have fortnightly meetings with, and a couple of mentors who I also meet regularly with (although they haven't been given this formalised title). I also have an apprentice buddy, who is doing a completely different apprenticeship but has been extremely helpful.

There are the lectures, and then a number of drop-in style sessions that can be attended for coursework and assignments. The lecturers are generally very helpful if you have a question, that can be asked after class or via email. There have been misunderstandings concerning tracking required "apprenticeship journey" learning.

The training provider qualification has not had much relevance to the role so far. This may change. The background theory though is very interesting and useful. It is also reassuring to learn things through the training provider, that although are not immediately useful, are skills developed for future use.

One of the teams has a social football, and I have attended a couple of work events. I have also participated in the Gold DofE Award that the Emerging Talent team organises for anybody under 24. Also, all apprentices must complete the Brathay Challenge, which includes a team-building residential.

Yes

The people are mostly brilliant, everyone is trying to genuinely help everyone else and is very supportive

Just generic advice, research the company values