Electrical and Controls Engineer Apprentice Review

I work 5 days a week and each day can be wildly different from the previous. I can be wiring up a panel or programming a PLC and the next I could be working on a breakdown on a machine in the pilot plant, I could also be potentially helping out on an ice cream trial. Everyday is a chance to learn something new

I came into the apprenticeship with very little knowledge or skill and have learnt a lot, I am able to programme PLCs, design and create simple controls, electrical drawings, create the panels and commission them so that they can be used in the research and development of new ice creams and new technologies.

I enjoy the work I do as it is challenging and not the exact same work each day. I work well in my team and we all get along. The company culture is inclusive and good to be in as it is cheerful and they care about you as a person as well as if you do your work, you aren't just a number

It was well structured on the company side, initially I had a different training provider and it was very messy on their end, but then i went over to Treasham and it was miles better, they actually taught you and were helpful and informative. I have had consistent catch up meetings and support

I receive as much support as I need, they are very helpful and if I need a day to study as I have too much work to juggle I can take a day away from work and get my reports completed or take some time to practice my practical skills

As I had mostly finished my apprenticeship work when I had moved to Tresham they have not had to do much but they were very helpful in the transition over to their system and helped me sort my previous learning and qualifications onto my new Onefile login on their system so that I could progress on and finished my last couple of small things in order for me to start my EPA

Unfortunately as I was at a different training provider initially which didn't help me at all with my role, I had to learn everything I needed to know on the job I already had the skills I needed by the time I went to Tresham but I do believe with the experience I have had with them that if I had gone to Tresham in the first place I wouldn't have been taught the skills I need for my job

There are a lot of activities to get involved in, there is a sports club that is just off site with a bar, so you can play tennis, squash and rugby up there, there is also the trim trail. There is a choir and every year there is Panto at Christmas. There are also lots of little activities and competitions throughout the year like Macmillan coffee mornings and there was a poem competition this spring.

Yes

It is a good company to work for with plenty of opportunities to learn and grow in your career and also within yourself. There are possibilities that you can work outside of your base office and go to other factories or offices around the world like the US or China. They also have a good work environment and you can go to your manager about any problems it isn't intimidating at all.

For me there was two assessment days. The first one was more practical and tested if you would be any good at engineering and the type of thinking required to be good in the role and if you could develop into the role. The second day was the interviews and tour of the site. I think it was just a week later that I was told I had the job and the HR person at the time was changing so it was a bit bumpy getting contracts and information out to me but they were quick to answer any emails I sent and kept me up to date. The first day was good as we got to meet our manager and be shown around site and introduced to the relevant people that we would work closely with throughout our apprenticeship.