Rositta Caesar, Process Technician, prev Process Apprentice
Why did you decide to do an apprenticeship?
An apprenticeship is a work-based learning programme. It allows the learner to develop their skills and qualifications whilst earning a wage. The school I attended gave excellent advice and support to all final year students to take the next steps after A-levels. This allowed me to explore both options – university and apprenticeship schemes. I decided to embark on an apprenticeship because the schemes set out by all employers especially British Sugar had a comprehensive learning programme. I love learning, this was my core focus for further education. My passion is to pursue a career in chemical engineering.
Tell us about your journey as an apprentice at British Sugar?
My journey as an apprentice is something I look back on with fond memories. Moving away from home up to Hartlepool was a large step away from the Southwest where I originally come from. We spent a year living in apartments on Hartlepool Marina whilst attending Middlesbrough TTE training centre. Here we initially learnt an appreciation of each trade from electrical, pneumatic, hydraulics, metal work. Alongside plant and plant services L3 which gave us an introduction into the workings of a micro lemonade plant. Moving into more in depth understanding of pumps, valves, bearings, gears. Before we then started our City and Guilds L2 and L3 course including 12 exams on chemistry, heat transfer, maths, separation, crystallisation to name a few. Our journey then continued onto site (Wissington) with 3 years of completing a Level 3 diploma in Process Technology and applying this to British Sugars’ sugar manufacturing process. This entailed carbonatation, crystallisation, lime kiln, diffusion with all the differing topics this kept me engaged and I enjoyed the learning process. To finalise our scheme, we had an end point assessment. This was the first time a process scheme had the opportunity to do this; giving our 4-year scheme validity. I can say I was relieved and proud of myself once those final folders were handed in for assessment.
You completed your apprenticeship through TTE in Middlesbrough. How did TTE and British Sugar support you through your apprenticeship?
We had regular review sessions with both British Sugar representatives and with a TTE tutor. This gave us a deadline to work towards completing sections of our work. There was a lot of paperwork and parts to the diploma so having the scheme given to us and support alongside allowed us the freedom to choose how we tackled it but guidance on deadlines so that we all were able to complete it within the 3 years.
What do you feel were the advantages of doing an apprenticeship over other education / training programmes?
The advantages of doing an apprenticeship are firstly, no educational fees as these are covered by your employer, unlike a university degree programme. Secondly, it gives you the opportunity to earn a wage whilst you learn. Thirdly, you can meet people who are like-minded to yourself and are likely to have similar interests relating to your chosen career. Finally, a lot of employers offer positions to apprentices afterwards opening the opportunity to start their career.
How did you find balancing your lifestyle and social life while completing your apprenticeship?
There was plenty of time in between exams and assignments to enjoy social events. Whilst attending TTE we had every weekend off, which we would often utilise for excursions and on weekday evenings we would often as a group head to a local football dome for a kick about. Amongst also being provided with a complimentary gym membership whilst living up in Hartlepool for a year, which was 24hrs and right next door.
How did the apprenticeship help you kick-start / progress your career?
I am still at the beginning of my career. The apprenticeship has given me the knowledge required to hopefully be an asset to the company and my team. With the 3 areas Extraction, Refinery or Pulp Management under my belt I can provide flexibility within the team and move onto whichever area requires me. I have helped support the training of several people since finishing my apprenticeship, which has helped to consolidate my knowledge and gain further confidence. I hope to continue to build on the skills I have learnt and good working relationships.
What has been your best achievement so far?
The best achievement so far is becoming the first female to be enrolled onto my intake of apprenticeship scheme back in 2017 and complete all 3 areas. Further to this pave the way for other engineering minded females who would like to embark on a career in this industry.
What would you say are the most common misconceptions about an apprenticeship in process operations?
Anyone can do anything they set their mind to! The most common misconceptions about apprenticeships in process operations is they are only for males. Although in previous generations this industry was very much a male dominated industry. There are more females stepping forward and taking the role on.
Is there anything else you would like to tell us about your experience so far?
In a book I read recently a quote stuck out and has stayed with me, it said, ‘believe you can, and you’re halfway there.’ This is a message for anyone considering an apprenticeship or trying to take the next steps in their journey. Something I have learnt from this experience is everyone has the potential to achieve; the hardest part is getting started/applying.
