Engineering Apprentice Review

My day-to-day role involves problem solving, teamwork and engineering activities. This is through working with experienced electrical and mechanical engineers to fix and maintain plant in the factory. My day-to-day role also involves working with members of the projects team to prepare for future product and ideas. My role requires me to be flexible and to communicate clearly with all personnel.

My day-to-day role can be quite demanding, physically and mentally, so it certainly has helped me learn new skills and build on existing skills. New skills that I’ve learnt include working with metalwork, familiarity with electrical components as well as general functionality of plant and factory logistics. Existing skills that I’ve built on include teamwork, clear communication and prioritising safety - always planning work before carrying it out.

So far this programme has brought me lots of enjoyment and feeling of value. The training provider, NSCG, and personnel that I’m involved with on site offer lots of help, information and guidance. The combination of these areas as well as the strong relationships I have formed with these people makes for an extremely enjoyable experience and also makes for a more encouraging environment for me to best achieve in.

Due to the nature of works of the factory it has proven difficult to feel involved in breakdowns. However, the introduction of the reliability team which work days and the relationships I have formed with personnel on shift has rivalled this and does provide me with some reassurance and value. The electrical engineering course taught at NSCG does provide lots of reassurance and is well structured for providing a solid foundation to such a dangerous area of work. However, although the apprenticeship offers simultaneous training in mechanical and electrical engineering, it would feel more worthwhile studying mechanical engineering earlier in my career, particularly the first year.

I receive lots of support from my employer, training provider and assessor. As mentioned in my previous responses, all personnel that I am involved with at NSCG and Premier Foods have been extremely welcoming and friendly. Premier Foods personnel provide extra information for jobs and work that I’m involved without prompting which gives me so much reassurance and confidence going forward.

I receive lots of support from my training provider. NSCG staff and personnel have proven to be extremely friendly, transparent and helpful. Lecturers and assessors that I’ve been contact with or continue to work with work with integrity and are extremely empathetic when tackling new topics or ideas. They provide extra resources and reading material for us to use and organise them in an easy to access place.

The qualification that I am working towards at NSCG is extremely useful for helping me to perform better in my role. However, due to the dangers involved with electrical work it is often that I’m left to shadow senior staff but time in shadowing and studying will give a solid foundation for future work. I believe that mechanical engineering would be a good starting point, particularly in the first year and for those who have no engineering background, as then basics and fundamentals of factory works can be understood and for further involvement in breakdown work to build confidence.

Premier Foods do provide some extra-curricular activities to get involved in at work. These include Kaido competitions with individuals and other factories; seminars and webinars into other industries and individuals’ stories; and site visits to other factories to meet with other apprentices and employees to further learn about the capabilities of plant. The visit also included a night of bowling, socialising and networking.

Yes

I’d recommend Premier Foods to a friend due to the friendly, outgoing and helpful staff that the employ. As well as their fantastic staff, the values that they adopt and aspire to are really encouraging and reassuring as an employee. These values make me feel valued as an employee and proud to work for Premier Foods.

When applying to Premier Foods I believe it is important to demonstrate flexibility, problem solving and communication skills. The combination of these skills is essential when working in any area at Premier Foods. It is also important to maintain professionalism during the application whilst remaining oneself. Staff at Premier Foods work with integrity and are down to earth so appreciate honesty, confidence and the will to keep team moral.