Lab Technician Review
at Tarmac
Higher Level Apprenticeship
Engineering
Buxton, Derbyshire
Review Submitted: May 2023
Overall Rating
4.8 /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!
4.5/5
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Overview of Role
5/5
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Skills Development
4.6/5
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Structure and Support
Overview of Role
Please give an overview of your role and what this involves on a day-to-day basis:
5/5
My role involves laboratory analysis of cement products, as well as the raw materials used to manufacture the cement, to assure adherence to British and European Standards of quality. I am also involved in the calibration of testing equipment to ensure accurate and repeatable testing of samples.
To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
4/5
I have made great use of what I have learned through this programme and have enjoyed learning about an industry of which I previously knew very little about. I also greatly appreciate the connections I have made with other apprentices and graduates on my level from throughout the company and industry.
Having said that, I am eager for the programme to be completed so that I can focus entirely on my role and how I can progress in my day-to-day responsibilities.
Having said that, I am eager for the programme to be completed so that I can focus entirely on my role and how I can progress in my day-to-day responsibilities.
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
5/5
I have learned a range of new skills, including best practices for a laboratory environment, time management, communication with colleagues and management as well as liaising with external departments. I have also become more involved with presentation and reporting of various results, trials, and training to provide clear and consistent knowledge to the team.
Structure and Support
How well organised/structured is your programme?
5/5
Very well organised; dates for modules are communicated well in advance and all participants are given opportunities to voice concerns or difficulties which can be taken into account and adjustments made. Modules are paced out over 2 days so that discussion and activites are not condensed, which helps to maximise learning and allows ample time for questions to be asked.
How much support do you receive from your employer?
5/5
My employer, and the management team to whom I directly report, have been incredibly supportive and make allowances for any time required for courses and studying. They are also eager to drive me to progress and regularly offer me opportunities to take additional training or visit other sites within the company to broaden my understanding and communication network.
How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
5/5
My training provider operates on an open door policy; for the most part I am left to be responsible for my own learning and progress towards deadlines and qualifications, but semi-regular catch-ups allow me to report my current progress and I am able to get in touch any time in order to receive guidance where necessary.
How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
4/5
Mostly in how I can present myself to my colleagues. I have gained a variety of presentation and communication skills which allow me to inform, and where needed, debate certain points of interest, and the knowledge acquired from University learning has put me in a position where I am experienced enough to be trusted in my opinions and decisions.
Are there extra-curricular activities to get involved in at your work? (For example, any social activities, sports teams, or even professional networking events.)
4/5
Not directly through my workplace, although those opportunities are regularly available.
I have, however, been on several training courses or user meetings that have expenses paid, which have allowed me to socialise with various personnel over a vast range of experiences and professions; building a network and learning about how varied the applications of my work can be.
I have, however, been on several training courses or user meetings that have expenses paid, which have allowed me to socialise with various personnel over a vast range of experiences and professions; building a network and learning about how varied the applications of my work can be.
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend Tarmac to a friend?
Yes
Why?
As my background is in retail, I have often in the past struggled with feeling unimportant within a working role, plus there was always a sense that it was a dead end career.
Since starting with Tarmac, I have gained a sense of individuality, where my role and responsibilities are respected by my colleagues, and management are constantly pushing me to improve myself by giving me opportunities to build and progress.
Since starting with Tarmac, I have gained a sense of individuality, where my role and responsibilities are respected by my colleagues, and management are constantly pushing me to improve myself by giving me opportunities to build and progress.
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to Tarmac?
Keep in mind that Tarmac is a multi-faceted organisation with opportunities ranging a wide array of skills professions. Tarmac always seem eager to make the most out of their employees and are willing to put each person's experiences to good use in a way that is mutually beneficial. I, for example, have been moved from quality testing for Tarmac's Postcrete product, to involvement in equipment calibrations, proficiency testing, and general lab maintenance.
Commercial Higher Apprentice Estimator - Contracting
at Tarmac
- Higher Level Apprenticeship
- Salford
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5
