Apprentice Support Engineer Review

During my apprenticeship I work in different sections of the business for a period of 4 months, helping me to get an idea as to how the business works and to familiarise myself with all the departments. I have so far been placed in four different sections, each giving me a different insight into how the business operates.

Within the dockyard, Babcock have their own processes for completing work and I have had to adapt to follow these throughout my different placements. During covid I have also had to adapt to working from home on some occasions and have been given all the IT equipment I need to do so.

I have enjoyed being able to experience different departments within the business and make a decision as to where I want to continue working at the end of my apprenticeship. However I am still looking for a place that I would be happy to continue working for longer after my apprenticeship

Every 4 months I move placements which is just enough time to familiarise myself with the processes before leaving to learn something new. I am usually made aware of my new placement several months in advance, but on some occasions I have not been told until a couple weeks before, not giving me much time to prepare.

I have 3 monthly reviews with my apprentice development manager where I am able to raise any concerns and discuss my progression. At these reviews I am set targets that I must try to hit for my next review. I also submit my NVQ work to my manager for them to mark and provide feedback/support on my understanding.

Once a week I have a long college day to focus on my qualification which lasts for approx. 11 hours and consists of 6 subjects. During this time I am able to work with my teachers who care able to offer some support to complete my assignments set throughout the year.

During my placements on site it is rare that I apply all of the skills and training that I receive during my qualification, however they help provide a better understanding of the work that I am supporting in my day to day work. A more business management related course would be much more suited.

Although not involved myself, there are a number of group activities and social events held throughout the year that employees are encouraged to come along to. Throughout the year, departments also have social get togethers, for example at Christmas teams usually go out for a meal to celebrate the years work.

Yes

Babcock are a great company to work for and offer a good level of training and development throughout the apprenticeship. They offer a competitive salary that will increase each year, with the chance to receive a full time position at the end if you decide to stay with the company.

Always ensure you work hard and apply yourself over the course of the apprenticeship and try to find a placement which you find the most interesting and enjoyable to stay afterwards, setting you up for a great career. This applies to all placements throughout the yard as you never know if you may want to go back in the future.