What’s it like to be a Business Apprentice at EDF?
Rachel joined our Business Apprenticeship in 2021. She is based in Bristol and is studying through Bridgewater and Taunton College
What was it about the EDF apprenticeship programme that appealed to you?
As EDF and HPC have so many apprentices I know that I would get lots of support and encouragement throughout. I also realised it would give me real life experience of working, which is so valuable at the moment.
I realised that working for a renewable energy company would be helping towards reducing climate change and help towards the innovation of greener energy in the future. It also provides good job security as the country will always need power but to do it with renewable energy is a bonus.
What was it about this training programme that appealed to you?
I liked the idea that I would move around different placements over the apprentice and as I didn’t know what part of business what I wanted to go into so this has given me a chance to work out what I like and what job role most plays to my strengths.
What skills did you gain in your previous experiences that you were able to bring across to the energy industry? (If not from work then from school / college / personal life):
I was able to use my understanding of how meetings are ran and structured due to being on some sport committees outside of work.
What do you enjoy most in your role?
I enjoy being able to have a overlook of all of the digital and IT projects and be able to have a high level understanding of where all the projects are and what they are going to be used for in HPC. We also help and assure the Project Managers that there projects on track which is important for the end date of HPC.
What support and mentoring have you received in your role?
I have had regular meetings with my manager to go through my progress and what my targets are for the placement. I have run small meetings on my own and with support from my manger which has helped me develop my confidence and delivery of information. I also received feedback after, so I know what went well and what I need to improve on.
