Operations Management - Higher apprentice Review

Item: Operations Management - Higher apprentice at Tarmac
Rating: 4.6
Author: Anonymous

at Tarmac

Degree Apprenticeship

Manufacturing, Material and Mineral Engineering

East Aberthaw, Rhoose, Barry CF62, UK

Review Submitted: April 2025

Overall Rating

4.6 /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 - Overview of Role

5/5 - Skills Development

4.2/5 - 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

Working at aberthaw cement works, every day is different depending on plant needs. Various production-related tasks to ensure plant operation, safety, optimisation, etc.
I do university assignments and exams as and when they are required. I manage mobile plant maintenance for the factory side (excluding quarry side)

To what extent do you enjoy your programme?

5/5

I enjoy it a lot.

Skills Development

Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?

5/5

Managerial and supervisor skills.
Health and safety knowledge. Ie: procedures
I have obtained 4 mobile plant tickets/ licenses
I have completed IOSH working and managing safely.
Countless health & safety related courses to ensure competence and knowledge.
I completed PODP, in-house operator apprenticeship (lvl 2)
And am currently in year 2 of my 3-year foundation science degree in cement technology.

Structure and Support

How well organised/structured is your programme?

4/5

I would say very well structured. As applies to everything, you get out what you give in. Chase/ demand new projects and experiences and development will follow

How much support do you receive from your employer?

4/5

A lot

How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?

4/5

Derby uni staff are very supportive and study materials provided are of high quality. Any questions or concerns, I know how to get the support I need.

How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?

5/5

Operations/ production apprentice in a cement plant, working towards a cement technology foundation degree. Very niche/ targeted qualification tailored for my industry development.

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

Aberthaw golf society is currently the main extra-curricular society which my site offers. I believe historically there was a cycling society but I don't believe this is the case anymore.

Recommendations & Advice

Would you recommend Tarmac to a friend?

Yes

Why?

Strong employer of great size and CRH as a parent company. I feel very secure within tarmac, only having been here 2.5 years. Good people, good training, great attitude towards safety and a very interesting and significant industry