James, Engineering Apprentice, York
James, current Engineering apprentice
School: York High School
Favourite Subjects: Design Technology, Electronics and P.E.
What attracted you to Engineering?
The thing that attracted me most to Engineering was that it was a hands-on, practical type job - every day is a different day and there is no set routine. I also like how the job uses my problem solving skills, as I feel that it is one of my strengths.
What first attracted you to this particular Apprenticeship scheme?
It’s more advanced than other Apprentice schemes available and I like the way we are trained to be dual skilled: mechanical as well as electrical. I also like the fact that if I wanted to progress my training to degree level, then Nestlé would potentially fund it. I do think this is the best scheme in York!
What does the scheme involve?
In the first year you are at college full-time. On the course, four days of the week are learning basic fitting skills like filing, machining, welding, as well as electrical skills like wiring and soldering. There is also a CAD lesson too. Completing this training will give you an NVQ in Engineering at level 2. The fifth day of the week is basically a theory day with lessons including Maths, Science and Electronics. For the next three years of the Apprenticeship you are mainly based at Nestle with day release for further theory study towards your foundation degree. Whilst at Nestle you are paired up with other senior engineers, working on plant floor doing break downs and project work. We write up the jobs we have worked on in log form as evidence for meeting criteria in our NVQ level 3 portfolio packs.
What does your day to day job involve?
My day to day job includes fixing and repairing the wrapping, and chocolate moulding machines, making small tweaks to improve performance and writing the jobs up in logs for my portfolio.
What’s been most rewarding?
The most rewarding thing for me was the grade which I got on my course, as I worked very hard in my own time to try and push myself. In the end I got the joint highest grade in my whole class with another apprentice from Nestlé!
What’s it like working for Nestle?
I really enjoy working here, no two days are the ever the same and in my opinion, it is so much better than an office-based job. I also find it very interesting how the machines work and how the food products that I have grown up with are made.
What are your career prospects at Nestlé?
Once qualified I will be a Development Plant Technician leading on to a full Plant Technician when a suitable position arises, probably working shifts.
