Fire Engineer Apprentice Review

My role is a fire engineer. On a day-to-day, I look at new and old buildings to assess the hazards of a fire on people, the property and the environment. This is by assessing the use of building materials, occupants evacuation and smoke control etc. Ways I do this is by looking at architectural plans to produce markups on areas of concern to highlight what fire resisting construction and appliances are needed. We then produce reports on what needs to be incorporated and why. This is with the help of regulations and guidance's. I have also needed to do calculations; for example of peoples evacuations, fire spread between buildings and how smoke acts. Additionally, I have attended site visits which require you to measure, locate and identify different fire resisting aspects like cavity barriers and fire doors.
As I am a degree apprentice I also attend University for 2 weeks every semester. This provides my qualification and details about the theory of fire and construction which links to why my job is so important for the construction industry and society in order to save lives and buildings.
On occasion, I attend meetings like CPDS and skills workshops which further strengthens my knowledge as more theory and different methods are presented to me.

The programme is well structured as there is a plan for each year as to what I should have done whilst also a system to monitor my progress and specific tasks I have completed.

Within the programme, I have a mentor who is a senior fire engineer who helps guide myself on how deal with certain projects and to answer any of my queries. Additionally, I attend the office 4 times a week, therefore I have access to communicate with people when I have a question.
At the start of my apprenticeship, I got given a task which helped develop a foundation of knowledge as to what generally a project would look like and the way to think when looking at a project (with logic).
I also attend CPD's provided by OFR and additionally workshops on backgrounds as to different topics and workplace skills like presenting and confidence.

I receive a lot of support. For example, I am provided with links to useful books that I could read into. I also have the contact information of my lecturers to ask any questions. Some modules may also provide additional optional classes to support the understanding of a topic in the module.
I have also attended a meeting with a staff member to support my structure in an assignment.
When I finish an assignment I also receive feedback.

Very well. I get given goals to complete every 2 years which consists of a range in skills, behaviours and attitudes. To assess these I attend meetings with a member of staff at University who provides insight and guidance as to the next steps to achieve that goal.

Yes

They support a lot with my learning and keep finding new ways to improve the knowledge of their employees so that we can provide the best service to our clients.
OFR also have many schemes like charity days, social budgets and team events to ensure the well being and team working of offices is efficient and comfortable to work in. This makes me feel appreciated as an employee and for the work that I do, increasing my morality.
OFR have employed patient and knowledgeable staff that are more than welcoming in asking questions.
OFR also provide a lot of resources which are develop by the staff which are easy to use and make your work more efficient.