Digital Energy Technical Apprentice Review

As an apprentice in Digital Power in the Customer Projects section, my role is to work on incoming projects. Things such as Data Centers, Hospitals, Universities and more. We will design a solution and see it all the way until its installed and commissioned, after that we start another project. Day-to-Day varies a lot as the project progresses. First will be the office phase where the solution to the customers request is designed. Next is the Building and testing of the solution, some solutions are built in house some are contracted out but all need to be tested. Next is the documentation phase where all necessary documents are created, mainly structured testing documents. Then the final phase is site work which also varies, but most of the time we will go and test and commission the panels once they are installed. This is the general set of steps for projects and the time needed varies greatly depending on the size and location of the project.

There are a few main skills: Communication, Team Work and Problem Solving. Communication is essential as you have to communicate between project managers, project engineers and specialists that may be helping on the project. Therefore you must be comfortable asking questions and explaining things to others. Team work since you are always working in a team of at least two. The key skill for me is problem solving since when working with software and hardware there will always be issues and you have to try to find the issues or communicate with someone to help you.

In general the programme is amazing. So far all the people I have worked with are very friendly and happy to help with anything. People are more than happy to take some time out of their day to explain something or teach something. The company is great and are happy to provide any extra training or learning that I would like. This is part of the company culture where everyone is encouraged to learn new things. The program has definitely exceeded my expectations, with the work being engaging and everyone being great people to work with.

I have found that the programme is very well structured and managed. When you start you have a two week induction to familiarize you with all things to do with the company, then when you start you do all the required training for a new starter , after which you are able to start fully in your new role, then as you progress you are given more opportunities, responsibilities and training to match your knowledge and skills. In terms of studying and support, we get every Friday as a study day and we have regular meetings with our mentors.

The company is great at supporting development and learning. There are many different training courses available to learn, we are also given study leave prior to exams for university. We also get regular check ins with our line managers to check how we are doing and if we need anything. In general you can get support on anything if you ask a colleague.

The training provider is not the best in terms of support and communication. This is mainly due to the fact that most learning and support is remote meaning it may be difficult to communicate some things and it may take some time before you get a response. Sometimes there are also issues with the provider communicating things with the company and the apprentice. Overall though it is okay and seems to be a common problem with all universities.

Some of the subjects taught by the University are very useful in our roles such as electrical principles and relevant topics. Other topics however are not as useful since they cover topics such as hydraulics and manufacturing which are less useful. However most of the subjects seem to be relevant and useful.

There are many opportunities especially for apprentices and graduates. There are many work meetings and events to meet people who work in other parts of the business and people outside the business. There are also things such as Duke of Edinburgh. This depends more on the team but in our team we also have events like meals and sports events.

Yes

Its an excellent opportunity in general, work for a large multinational company whilst getting an educations, experience and a job at the end seems like a win for me. Its also great if you are going into a sector where experience matters as much as education its a great way to start. Other Benefits of apprenticeship: No Student loan to repay Almost Guaranteed job at the end Degree at the End Experience Pension Networking

If possible get an existing Schneider to refer you. In terms of the application be honest and add all and any relavant experience or learning. In the interview your personality matters more than what you know since you can be taught new things, therefore being friendly and polite is good and attending other events from the company will show that you are keen. Also if you are interviewed for a role you are not sure you may like, just try it there are many opportunities to change which business unit you work in and try other roles.