Supply Chain Engineering Apprenticeship Review

I work in a washing machine capsule factory. My day to day role is carrying out maintenance and commission inside the factory to keep it running. Everyday is different. Most of the time i'm helping with projects that improve the efficiency and safety or I'll be maintaining spare parts.

Yes, I am constantly learning. I've learnt so many new skills since training with Unilever, most of them being on the job inside the factory, this is so different to training in college. I am constantly problem solving, its a technical role. My confidence in communication and working as a team has developed hugely.

I enjoy my job, I think the apprenticeship way of learning on the job is the best way to pick up new skills. I have a good group of engineers who are always supporting me along the way. I wouldn't want to work anywhere else.

My apprenticeship could be more organised. It has recently changed from 5 years when I signed up to now 6 due to changing training provider. This seems quite long to receive a L4 qualification. However, I think from now on there will be better structure to the apprenticeship training wise. I think inside work there could be better structure for mentoring, I have never been placed with an engineer, I just pick and choose who to work with. Sometimes I don't get to cover what I need to for my qualification because of this. Everyone is always happy to help though.

Unilever support me well, I have extra training courses they organise for me to complete. For example, I am now a trained first aider and I have a pipeline course booked for a months time. They also send their apprentices to outward bound, Seamens and Festo. I have also been to an event in Leatherhead in celebration of apprentices. I have monthly meetings with my apprenticeship manager. The company does invest a lot of support apprentices.

I can't comment on college training as I haven't started with the new training provider yet. However, I have been working with West Cheshire College for the past 2 years, they've been good at teaching online through the pandemic. I have regular meetings with the college to see my progress.

I believe you learn the most on the job compared to in college. The training at West Cheshire wasn't the best practically. I am glad Unilever have now transferred to a new training provider. I feel like you can't relate most units from college to work.

I don't ongoing. There isn't any activities arranged through the company. I have been to events, in Leather head there was an apprenticeship celebration event, which was a really good trip. I have also been to outward bound for a week.

Yes

Its a good job. I really enjoy coming into work, I have a nice group of colleagues. Everyone is so keen to help, there is a nice, fun atmosphere. There are a lot of company benefits, like shares, pension etc.

Be yourself, have product knowledge but also engineering knowledge. You'll stand out if you show your interest in engineering and manufacturing. Research int pneumatic systems and production line machinery.