Digital Energy Engineer Apprentice Review

My role is to create Building management solutions (BMS) which help a business improve its efficiency both economically and environmentally. This is done by wiring plant equipment on site back to our AS-P which we can then control digitally by writing programs and displaying the plant as graphics for the customer making it easy for them to follow.

I have massively improved my knowledge of plant equipment such air handling equipment (AHU) and fan core units (FCU) as well as how they operate and the correct functions, as well as how to fault find on such equipment. I have also improved my skills working on our software called Ecostruxture which is what is used to control the plant via a programming language called function block.

I have really enjoyed the programme so far as it allows me to work at a company leading this fielding of work meaning I get to work with the newest and most advanced systems at critical sites such as data centers and medical facilities.

I find the programme to be well organised as the company has a department dedicated to the best development for the apprentices with clear points of contacts for any queries or issues with the people always willing to offer advice and help with any task. They are also willing to listen to any suggestions you have and offer and encourage time in other sectors of the company to help you see how all aspects of the business work together. They also have a set plan ready for your upcoming year so you know what training you will be provided and what is expected of you.

I receive lots of support from my employer as the dedicated team always offer support for problems or queries as well as being allotted extra time every month to work on University tasks or revise alleviating the pressure. They will also provide training early if it fits with the tasks we are currently doing in our job.

I don't feel I have particularly needed much support from the training provider other than them answering certain questions about subjects and projects which i have always been giving an informative answer to. However, I do know they have provided 1 to 1 maths tuition for students who were finding the course difficult and it has improved there knowledge.

It allows me better knowledge of the plant I work and how that plant has been chosen for a specific role ensuring that is proficient for the task and it is the best solution economically and enviromentally.

The company promotes the apprentices to enter STEM to help provide students with a better understand of what apprenticeships in this field entail. They also have something called the open talent market which allows employees from the company globally to request help for projects they are running and allows teams to work together that never would have met. As well as this they hold family days annually with a fair, food and a tour of the factory depending on which office you attend.

Yes

It offers a well structured apprenticeship with lots of support at a fore running company in the field as well as offering many options for your future career path. They believe in investing in the next generation of employees and allow you to gain as much from the scheme as you're willing to put in. They also offer the opportunity to transfer internationally as they are a global company.

Be open to making mistakes and learning constantly as at first it is difficult to grasp but the more you are exposed to the work the more you begin to understand. Don't be afraid to ask questions and challenge why things are done a certain way.