Mechanical and Electrical Technical Trainee Review

As a mechanical and electrical apprentice, I spent my first year at college, completing qualifications that would give me foundational knowledge for my work on site. In my second year onwards, I spend most of my time on site, shadowing full time technicians, and learning how to maintain the equipment on site

During my time on this apprenticeship, I've developed skills in hand-fit, turning, milling, mechanical and electrical maintenance, and many other areas. My job role is very varied day-to-day, and I have learnt countless skills I wasn't expecting. At college and on-site, I also learn the theory behind the work I complete.

I enjoy getting to do something different every day and getting to learn both mechanical and electrical maintenance on the same programme. I do think the programme is lacking organisation, especially in terms of the time spent at college and the topics studied. This can be a source of stress. The culture at work is also at times not conducive to learning and gaining confidence in the job role.

The programme is reasonably well structured, but does have some issues in the organisation of the college side of things. The college programme is not as relevant to the job role as it could be, and the delivery by the college itself is not of a very high standard.

I do receive support from my employer if I request it, but it is not generally volunteered. Mentors are not always well trained to teach apprentices and it can be luck of the draw whether apprentices receive a helpful mentor. I am fortunate enough to have a good manager, but managers' time for discussions regarding apprenticeships is still quite limited.

The training provider for my course has always been helpful and answered any questions I have. My NVQ assessor, in particular, is extremely supportive and enthusiastic about helping apprentices achieve their qualifications. The college I attend, however, is of a fairly low standard. I hope that this is rectified for future apprentices.

My qualifications are reasonably well-suited to my role. The work completed in college is quite variable in its relevance, but the NVQs I am completing are extremely relevant to my job. It's very satisfying to complete a job and see my progress reflected in my NVQ portfolio portal.

My job role has minimal extra-curricular activities that I am aware of. Apprentices in previous years have gone on outdoor pursuits trips where they are able to network with other apprentices. Activities for my year, however, have been somewhat disrupted by the Covid-19 pandemic. I hope more activities will be available in the years to come.

Yes

I would recommend Thames Water to a friend only if I felt they were well-suited for the role. It is important that they have a good work ethic both at college and on the job. For them to enjoy the role, however, they must be comfortable with the environment of working with a industrial maintenance team.

If you are interested in gaining a job as a maintenance technician, Thames Water may be an excellent choice. In terms of further education and progression, however, I have not found them to be as supportive as I hoped. Several opportunities advertised when I began my apprenticeship have since been taken off the table. Especially within the work environment, striving for further education is not encouraged.