Apprentice Stories

Name: Anna Swanson

Qualification: SVQ Business and Administration SCQF 6

Employer: DSRL

Why did you choose a Modern Apprenticeship?  

​​I chose this apprenticeship as I was aware of the fantastic training Dounreay provides. In Lockdown I grew an interest in business and decided that it was the route I wanted to go down. When I heard about this apprenticeship I straight away knew I wanted to apply, I thought it would be a great way to start my career as Dounreay offers so many great opportunities to its staff.

Do you have any scheduled classes as part of your apprenticeship? How do these take place and how do they fit in with your working schedule?             

​​The course was very flexible and fitted in with my day-to-day work very well. We had a couple of classes at the start of the year to introduce us to the course and then we were able to work on our portfolio whenever suited us, as long as we were meeting deadlines, which was never an issue.

What do you think about the style of teaching and/or support you received from assessors/lecturers? 

​​My lecturer was very approachable and helpful. I felt able to email her whenever I was unsure of something or needed more information and she would always get back to me or arrange a video call for us to discuss things further.

What challenges have you encountered during your apprenticeship and how did you overcome them?     

​​While completing my SVQ and my day-to-day tasks, I also studied for an ECITB (Engineering Construction Industry Training Board) Certificate in Project Controls. This was very challenging as Project Controls was very new to me. I overcame this challenge by asking my colleagues for more information and by reading through the procedures, guidance notes and forms relating to Project Controls at Dounreay.

What are your next steps after completing your Modern Apprenticeship? 

I am now in a full-time administration post and am thoroughly enjoying it. I plan to start an HNC this year which will allow me to study a Degree in Business Management. I am aiming to become a Project Controller and I hope that in time, once I have gained more experience and completed these qualifications, I can progress to working at management level.

What advice would you give to those considering a Modern Apprenticeship? 

​​To anyone considering a Modern Apprenticeship, go for it! It has been the best decision I have ever made. My teamwork, communication, IT skills and problem solving skills have improved significantly during my apprenticeship. My knowledge on Dounreay and the Nuclear industry as a whole, has significantly advanced too. Overall, I have become a much more confident person.

What has been the highlight of your Modern Apprenticeship?      

​​It is hard to pick one highlight as there have been so many positive experiences during my time as an apprentice. However, our team-building trip to Loch Eil was an amazing experience, where I developed great relationships with my colleagues and also improved my team-work, communication and problem-solving skills. I had to really push myself out with my comfort zone during the trip and I am so glad that I did as I have realised my capabilities and am very grateful for the opportunity.

Name: Steven Rollo

Qualification: SVQ Fabrication and Welding Engineering at SCQF Level 6 

Job Title: ​Welder-Fabricator

Employer: Lochshell Engineering

Why did you choose a Modern Apprenticeship?                

I chose a Modern Apprenticeship as it is a lifelong qualification where I can learn skills within the Welding and Fabricating industry. It also gave me an opportunity to work alongside experienced staff picking up specific skills crucial to the industry.

Do you have any scheduled classes as part of your MA?

At the start of my Modern Apprenticeship, I did have scheduled classes which would take place in person on a weekly basis. I'm now in my 4th year and all my work has been online through OneFile.

How do they fit in with your working schedule?                

I do a couple of hours most nights at home online completing my OneFile portfolio. 

What do you think about the style of teaching and/or support you received from assessors/lecturers? 

I think the teaching style is very good. I have received lots of support from my college lecturer Terry Elder who has always given me a quick response when I have a question about my OneFile work. My assessor Liam Sutherland has also been supportive too whenever I have had a question or was unsure about something.

What challenges have you encountered during your apprenticeship and how did you overcome them?  

​​I would say the online OneFile work to start with took a bit to get into the swing of how to do it such as setting criteria and referencing it to the job card but I contacted Liam Sutherland and Terry Elder and they supported me and helped me understand it.

What are your next steps after completing your Modern Apprenticeship? 

To carry on within the industry improving my skills along the way as I really enjoy it and will try to be the best I can be.

What advice would you give to those considering a Modern Apprenticeship? 

​​I would say a Modern Apprenticeship isn’t easy. It takes a lot of work and commitment to get yourself through it but if you apply yourself and get the work done, it more than pays itself off when you have completed it.

What has been the highlight of your Modern Apprenticeship?

The highlight of my apprenticeship was the assembly of Whitby Bridge, seeing it being fitted and being part of a major engineering project, which required us all to work as a team. 

Anything else you would like to tell us about your experience?      

My boss Donald Gow and my tradesman Charlie Donaldson, have been really supportive of me throughout my apprenticeship and often share their own knowledge and experience.