Level 3 Technical Operator Apprenticeship Review

In my job, I am required to learn the processes of machines on my production line. This is done using a training passport as guidance. At times where I'm not training, I am helping my colleagues to run our production line using the knowledge that I have already gained.

I have definitely improved my social skills, being able to cooperate with colleagues every day. I have also sustained Maths and English skills through the university work that I have to complete. I have also developed a lot more physical ability through more intense days at work.

I enjoy my programme since it teaches me a lot of new skills that are essential for my working life now that I've left school. My colleagues are helpful at giving me advice and knowledge to help me through the programme, and it's nice to be able to go to university every few months to gain knowledge about the academic area of my apprenticeship.

At the start, it wasn't very organised as the apprentices in my year, including me, are the first that our business have had in our sector. However, with our feedback throughout the last few months, it has definitely become more organised, and we now have a set outcome to strive towards.

I receive a lot of support whenever I need it. There are many people I can contact, which includes my mentor, the HR team, my shift manager, and also my university mentors if there is anything I require support.

We are given many assessments to work on in-between our study weeks, which include on-the-job and off-the-job tasks to get us to revise our knowledge. It's a great help as when we go to study weeks we can easily recap what we have learnt. As I've already mentioned, we also have support from our university tutors if we ever need help with our qualification.

It helps as it reminds me to stay organised in my role, while also learning new skills. For example, in our first study week we learnt a lot about food safety, which I could then implement in to my own role, and the assignments we get in-between study weeks allow me to stay organised and focus on each area of work.

There are many social activities advertised in my workplace, such as tickets to rugby matches or family barbecues. However I haven't been to any yet.

Yes

It is a great start for someone at my age. The job is very rewarding in terms of providing knowledge and skills that will help me throughout my life, and the pay is also very good for an apprenticeship.

To make sure that they are willing to stay on top of a work and assignment balance. It can be a bit stressful, especially in an ice-cream factory in the roll up to summer months, so you need to make sure you can organise your work.