Trainee H&S Advisor Review
at VolkerWessels
Level 3 Apprenticeship
Construction
York
Review Submitted: March 2025
Overall Rating
3.5 /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
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Overview of Role
4/5
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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:
4/5
As a Trainee Health and Safety (H&S) Officer, I play a crucial role in ensuring that our workplace environments are safe and compliant with relevant regulations. On a day-to-day basis, I conduct routine inspections to identify potential hazards and risks, documenting these findings to address them effectively. I work closely with various departments to implement safety protocols and provide training to employees on best practices for maintaining a safe work environment. I assist in developing and updating safety policies and procedures, ensuring they align with current legislation. Additionally, I may be involved in investigating incidents or near-misses to understand their causes and recommend preventive measures.
Beyond these core duties, I participate in safety audits and help prepare reports for management. I engage in continuous learning to stay updated on the latest health and safety standards and technologies. Effective communication is essential in my role, as I need to convey safety information to all levels of the organization and promote a culture of safety awareness. I also coordinate with external agencies or regulatory bodies to ensure compliance and address any concerns or violations promptly. Overall, my work is vital in preventing accidents, reducing risks, and fostering a safe and healthy workplace.
Beyond these core duties, I participate in safety audits and help prepare reports for management. I engage in continuous learning to stay updated on the latest health and safety standards and technologies. Effective communication is essential in my role, as I need to convey safety information to all levels of the organization and promote a culture of safety awareness. I also coordinate with external agencies or regulatory bodies to ensure compliance and address any concerns or violations promptly. Overall, my work is vital in preventing accidents, reducing risks, and fostering a safe and healthy workplace.
To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
2/5
In terms of the apprenticeship itself, I don't really know how much value it brings to me personally. There is very little that I have learnt from the apprenticeship programme that I couldn't have learnt myself from some self study; I appreciate this is likely due to the fact that I have some level of background in the feeder role, to my current role. Having to work on the assignments etc, is sometimes quite rudimentary but overall, I think it does add some level of worth.
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
4/5
As a Trainee Health and Safety (H&S) Officer, I have had the opportunity to learn and develop a variety of new skills while also building upon my existing knowledge. I have been given numerous opportunities to participate in audits and safety tours, which have significantly enhanced my ability to identify and mitigate risks in the workplace. Being out on site has allowed me to apply theoretical knowledge in practical scenarios, further honing my problem-solving and critical thinking skills.
Additionally, I have enjoyed learning from the expertise of my colleagues and mentors, basking in their knowledge and experience. This collaborative environment has not only deepened my understanding of health and safety protocols but has also improved my communication and teamwork skills. Overall, these experiences have been instrumental in my professional growth and have equipped me with the tools necessary to contribute effectively to a safe and compliant workplace.
Additionally, I have enjoyed learning from the expertise of my colleagues and mentors, basking in their knowledge and experience. This collaborative environment has not only deepened my understanding of health and safety protocols but has also improved my communication and teamwork skills. Overall, these experiences have been instrumental in my professional growth and have equipped me with the tools necessary to contribute effectively to a safe and compliant workplace.
Structure and Support
How well organised/structured is your programme?
2/5
I was initially expecting a lot more from the programme; I currently have one, hour long session, a month, and then the rest of the programme is self study. The tutors can oftentimes seem flustered or confused with the information they are presenting or have limited knowledge of the assignments and homework for the month. There is absolutely, room for improvement in this area
How much support do you receive from your employer?
4/5
I am very lucky to have a wonderful mentor who is very kind and patient with me. He is always open to offer me as many opportunities as is possible and is happy to help with anything I need - this is on top of his own workload. I am very grateful to him and I feel like I wouldn't be progressing in the same way, without him.
How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
2/5
I receive very little from them, but I think this is partly because I don't ask for any and they don't overly go out of their way to provide anything in terms of support. For me, this isn't an issue as I would go elsewhere, before going to the provider anyway.
How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
4/5
My qualification has been a valuable asset in my role as a Trainee Health and Safety (H&S) Officer. The training I have received has provided me with a strong foundation of knowledge, which I can continue to build upon throughout my career. This foundation has enhanced my understanding of health and safety principles and has given me the confidence to apply these principles effectively in the workplace.
As I gain more experience and learn from my colleagues, I am becoming a more competent and confident H&S professional. The training has equipped me with essential tools and insights, enabling me to identify risks, implement safety measures, and communicate these practices clearly. Overall, my qualification has been beneficial in helping me perform better in my role and contribute to a safer workplace.
As I gain more experience and learn from my colleagues, I am becoming a more competent and confident H&S professional. The training has equipped me with essential tools and insights, enabling me to identify risks, implement safety measures, and communicate these practices clearly. Overall, my qualification has been beneficial in helping me perform better in my role and contribute to a safer workplace.
Are there extra-curricular activities to get involved in at your work? (For example, any social activities, sports teams, or even professional networking events.)
3/5
There are yes, I am currently a Fairness, Inclusion and Respect Rep, working to make the workplace more inclusive. There are other events available within the business, but these are something I either don't have time for or am simply not interested in at the moment. I don't live too close to my base office so I like to get home to spend time with my partner.
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend VolkerWessels to a friend?
Yes
Why?
The business is a good place to work, there is a general feeling of support and each arm of the business is making new steps into their prospective fields, oftentimes being progressive and market leading. There are some potential opportunities to work in mainland Europe but I don't know how available these are.
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to VolkerWessels?
Take the chance, you never know where the opportunity might lead you. There isn't just Rail or Highways, there are also the other arms of the business which you could potentially move into if a role that suits you, becomes available. You never know if you don't try.
