Utilities Engineering Technician Review

Day to day tasks include checking plant machinery for any defects, carrying out any maintenance that is either pre planned or breakdown related. Some days can be busier than others depending on site condition, plant condition and can even be impacted by weather. Work involves pumps, gearboxes, conveyors, tanks and compressors.

I’ve learned many skills since starting my apprenticeship. The main skills are manual skills, learning how to lift pumps, split components, replace components, how to service items and re condition. I’ve also learned how to safely use a range of power tools and heavy lifting equipment throughout my daily tasks.

I really enjoy my programme, no day is the same and I’m always working on something different and with different people. The jobs are often hard work but good to complete, interesting and there’s a real sense of reward when each job is completed and the issues are solved.

My programme is well structured, the first year consists of mainly off the job training, both in the classroom and in the workshop. The second year is mainly on site, learning specifics of the job, working with fellow employees and really beginning to learn the ins and outs of my job.

I received good levels of support from my employer. I have a specific mentor who is always there to support me, along with other members of the team. I can also easily get in touch with my manager or the apprenticeship manager if I’m in need of additional support.

When working towards qualifications I receive good support from the training provider. The individual tutors both in the classroom and the workshop are all helpful and offer support whenever needed. I also have contact to 2 liaison officers who are there for any additional support, guidance or to assist with any issues.

I feel as though the workshop units in the first year do give a good base knowledge and general understanding of engineering principles, which helped me to have a platform when I first started to work on site. The BTEC however, probably isn’t beneficial towards my actual job on site.

Since covid arrived these kind of things stopped, but I know that there has been talk of getting together for regular 5 a side football games after work, and there’s also plans to sort team events both during work time and out of work time, things will pick up.

Yes

A really friendly, fun and good place to work. A challenging but rewarding job with multiple avenues for progression or just general change. A good work/life balance with the opportunity to work overtime if it’s wanted. The benefits such as shareware and pension are also really attractive features

To be as thorough and detailed as possible when applying for the role, to not leave anything out that may be useful. Be yourself and try and show your individuality, engage with any extra aspects and be keen to ask any questions and show an interest in the company and it’s work.