Higher Level Apprentice (Electrical) Review

In my role as a Higher Level Apprentice (Electrical). I am training to be a Commissioning Engineer on Submarines. My day to day role consists of various tasks ranging from inspecting, testing and setting to work electrical equipment and systems. Other tasks include fault finding and undertaking general maintenance tasks in accordance with company/customer procedures.

I have learnt many skills during my 4 year apprenticeship with Babcock. My first year consisted of being at college full time completing a Level 2 in engineering skills alongside City and Guilds in Electrical Engineering. I then progressed to the second year which was a combination of onsite learning and college. At college I completed a HNC in Electrical Engineering. In my final year I am completing a foundation degree in Electrical/Electronic Engineering with a scope of topping it up to a full degree after my apprenticeship. Alongside the theory side, I have learnt various practical skills which have set me up for a career in the industry,

There are many things that I enjoy about the programme. The main one is that being on the apprenticeship scheme is that it has given me a fantastic career. I actually enjoy going to work each day, everyday is different and the people I work with are great. I feel the programme sets me up and gives me a platform to progress far in the future.

I feel that the programme is organised and structured extremely well. As previously mentioned I feel that the Babcock Apprenticeship scheme has set me up well for the future. The scheme is widely acclaimed and highly honoured within the South West. The apprenticeship scheme has been going for years so the structure and organisation is precise and all staff know their jobs and roles to get the best out of the apprentices

I am a confident person so I do not feel I require a lot of support. But when I have needed it, my employer has been fantastic. As they are a major organisation, they have various teams which support can be drawn from. They really value their staff and all managers look to ensure that everyone is happy and will act if any concerns or issues are raised.

I feel at college I am well supported. As we have been at college for 4 years, I feel we have developed a good professional relationship with all the staff and tutors. This helps to progress our learning and develop our knowledge base. If I need any support I am not afraid to ask and the staff are willing to help in any way.

4 years is a long time at college. Over that time, I feel that my qualifications have helped progressed my learning and developed me as a engineer. At times in my HNC and foundation degree, certain units such as electronic ones are not relative to my work environment, but I understand I have to complete them to get credits. However, other units such as power generation and electrical principles are very relative and engaging and apply to my role within the dockyard

The dockyard is a huge site with various sections and staff. A bonus of my apprenticeship is that I change sections every so often to broaden my knowledge. Not only does this do that but it also introduces me to different people and teams. This networking allows me to get involved in activities outside of work. Examples include playing football and socialising outside of work. There are also various groups and memberships that I can join if I want too.

Yes

Without a doubt I would recommend Babcock to a friend. The opportunities I have been given by the company are endless. Working in the dockyard has allowed me to work on multimillion pound platforms such as Frigates and Submarines which I would never have been able to experience at another engineering company. I feel valued within Babcock. They are a fantastic employee who look after and pay their staff well.

My main bit of advice to any people thinking of applying to Babcock would be just be yourself. Babcock is a diverse and inclusive company who value you as a person regardless of your background. If you have the right attitude and show an eagerness to learn then you will succeed and go far within the company. Once you are in the company, the paths you can take are endless.