Support engineer apprentice Review

So far in my second year I have been given three different placements to me which I will do to throughout the year. The first place my was a project engineering placement which head me looking at different systems and methods to work as a project engineer. My second and current placement has me in materials management, looking at the demand and creating parts requests for those who need it in the workshop. My job role as a support engineering isn’t hands on with tools and in completely office based.

Before starting my apprenticeship I was in school, this meant I had very little knowledge in engineering or much about Babcock. Through the year and a half I’ve been here, I’ve learnt much more than I thought I would in terms of the range of learning. For example with my apprenticeship I have done mechanical, electrical, project, business, welding/fabricating and many more tasks which have given me a very wide range of skills and taught me things I never thought I’d know about.

Overall, I have enjoyed my apprenticeship. Year two and starting work gives really good examples on life in the yard and the one day at college allows me to see my peers from year one, which I always enjoy. Meeting new people and Learning new things everyday adds an enjoyable feeling when starting each day.

Honestly it could be a little better organised. There have been a few complications in college and with placements all due to different reasons, considering my role is a new apprenticeship and due to COVID many things have gone away from plan. Any issues that do occurs though will always be fixed, I’ve seen times where uncontrollable events happen and they are always sorted out to help the apprentice.

Support is always available. I have had issues before where I have had to contact my AMD (apprentice development manager) who I can go to for any issues. I also get lots of support from those who I am placed with, asking if I need additional support or if I need to go over anything again. Babcock themselves set up training sessions to do with safety and have groups or people to talk to if someone needs support.

Support from my training providers is good, when on placement they will ask if I need to to do work towards my qualification, they also ask if I need a reference or any help. My ADM can also provide support, asking if anyone needs help them they can go and see him.

My time in the yard has mainly been completing tasks as a trainee would, so when it comes to actually starting my job these skills learnt will help. Times at college the work has been a bit random in terms of my job role, I understand that it helps me view the work that others will do but some courses are a bit out of the blue it seems in this second year. Overall though in the yard by going to different placement I can see how the whole operation works and give me a good oversight.

I personally don’t take part in any of these at the moment, however I know there are sports teams and social activities to take part in. Every day on email there is a reminder to everyone on what happening from e.g. sports teams and gives details on how to join.

Yes

I already have. Friends who went to six-form or who are already in school have been wondering what they are doing next, I’ve recommended Babcock as they will still have opportunity to branch off into a wide range of job roles, get further education and earn while they do it.

Advise I would give to those joining Babcock would be to enjoy it as much as they can. The fists year is more learning than anything and will teach you a lot, you will meet loads of new people so all I can say is enjoy it and keep up to date with any NVQ (qualification) work.