Crane driver Review

I am an apprentice crane driver so I basically drive dock side cranes which can either be luffing and sadle cranes. Day to day I am on call to do jobs in the docks I am authorised to do so, I also do some slinging sometimes too. I also continue to do training provided when It comes up.

I have learned a whole array of new skills such as learning how to drive three types of crane which are luffing, saddle and overhead crane, getting my slinging qualification, learning to work with others in a small knit team, learn different methods of communication around site, learning how to marshal vehicles and bank cranes.

I enjoy my programme alot as babcock provides a varied mix of things for us to do and are pro-active when it comes to furthering my apprenticeship any way they can. The production and manufacturing sides of the work are interesting to see and it feels good to be a part of it.

Our programme hasn't been the most structured because of covid obviously but I will say babcock have done their best to continue it along. Whether it be finding us engaging ways to see other parts of the dockyard or training us in new qualifications. Overall I think under the circumstances it has been fine.

Babcock have provided plenty of support throughout the apprenticeship so far. They always ensure we feel comfortable and are willing to do new types of work when they arise and still check up with work you've been doing for a while. They also have always gone the extra mile with providing us things we can using as evidence etc for our NVQ.

I would say it has been fairly average from our training provider as sometimes it feels as though support is limited and not very responsive. But in fairness covid has obviously impacted quite a lot of those aspects for everyone.

Well our apprenticeship has made us get qualified further than just our job role for example we have got slinging and vehicle marshaling tickets. This allows us to understand the work we are doing from our collegues perspectives and understand abit more their thought processes. We also go extensively into the theory sides of the industry giving us a deeper understanding about the work and making it safer.

There are plenty but I have not got involved Mtself yet.

Yes

Babcock compared to other employers do really seem to care about your well being and are very inclusive to everyone. The people here are always friendly and ensure you are okay. The pay for apprentices is a lot better than others I have seen.

Come in open minded and take up anything you are offered as they really do offer you wide array of opportunities if you are willing to put in the work.