Apprentice Energy Assistant Review
at NHS
Level 3 Apprenticeship
Construction, Business Operations, Healthcare, Logistics and Operations
Southampton
Review Submitted: April 2021
Overall Rating
3.3 /5
The Overall Rating is the average of all the ratings given in each category. We take those individual ratings and combine them into one final score!
3/5
-
Overview of Role
4/5
-
Skills Development
3/5
-
Structure and Support
Overview of Role
Please give an overview of your role and what this involves on a day-to-day basis:
3/5
Energy Management - to monitor energy consumption across the Trust at our different sites. This involves recording and monitoring gas, electricity and waste consumption. I will also be implementing our NHS Solent Trust Green Plan from September. That involves analysing data, setting realistic targets and adhering to them in order to achieve Net Zero on Carbon emissions
To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
3/5
It is still very early days, I am only one month into my apprenticeship. So far I believe that the content is stimulating and it's exciting to see how that directly links in with my work and how I am going to progress in these next two years. That said, so far it has been a very slow progress because I have so much yet to learn. I am also not a fan of the amount of documentation you need to complete. I come from a strong academic background, I have been conditioned to attend a lecture, complete an assignment and then get a grade at the end. Instead I have to log everything that I do, recognise and report if I have learnt a specific skill, fill out a portfolio which I am still not clear on what should include AS WELL AS my assignments. I don't believe that it is as efficient as it could be - that is on the apprenticeship provider though!
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
4/5
Everything that I am doing and will be doing is new to me - there is no other educational route to being an Energy Manager, apart from this apprenticeship. So it's safe to say that I am developing a lot of new skills! This mainly involves synthesising data in a way that helps you see the bigger picture - where are you now, where are you heading and where do you need to be?
Structure and Support
How well organised/structured is your programme?
2/5
The structure is clear, the organisation is not so clear. I am still waiting on my 1-1's for my apprenticeship and work haven't had much communication on how they can support me throughout these next two years. I know what module content I am going to cover, but I don't know how to record my apprenticeship content (portfolio, evidence etc.)
How much support do you receive from your employer?
4/5
I receive a lot of support from my employer. Only concern is that they are not clear on how best to support me - breakdown in communication between Apprenticeship provider and Employer. My employer has made the best of the situation and has exposed me to everything that they think would be useful for me. So far, it has proven useful!
How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
2/5
My tutor is enthusiastic and their knowledge has no bounds! But there was breakdown in communication between teacher and administrator, meaning that I am still awaiting confirmation on my 1-1's. I am also confused with what I should be logging and recording, but I was told that i would be able to pick it up as I go...this is not how I work!
How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
5/5
100%! Again, only in month 1, but I can already see how valuable this qualification is going to be for my job role. Looking forward to asking my tutor more questions about potential projects I could be getting involved with, especially as they are very knowledgeable and happy to help!
Are there extra-curricular activities to get involved in at your work? (For example, any social activities, sports teams, or even professional networking events.)
2/5
There are faith communities, BAME community, LGBTQIA+ community, as well as mental health facilities. There will potentially be apprentice groups too, to help each other and get to know one another. To my knowledge, there aren't any sports teams. However, we are taking part in a steps challenge, in teams across the Trust
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend NHS to a friend?
Yes
Why?
Because the Trust is very understanding and they do take care of you. I believe that it is a good way to start your career, as it is a nonintimidating place to learn and grow. The NHS as a whole can be a bit set in their ways, but that's why they need fresh faces to keep them on their toes!
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to NHS?
I wouldn't join NHS Solent Trust for the money or convenience, I would join because I have a genuine interest in the role. Working and learning is an interesting juggling act, sometimes you're going to have to pull motivation from the value of your work, what you do. The Trust is filled with people who care and so you have to care, at least just as much
