EDF apprentice and City of Bristol College’s Level 3 Business Administration student, Isabella Noble, answers questions about her time as an apprentice for one of the country’s largest energy providers.
What is your position at EDF and when did you start?
I am the Nuclear Business Apprentice at EDF and have been here since 2019.
What are your top tips for someone applying or going through a selection process for an apprenticeship?
My top tip is to be yourself in the interview as being yourself gets you further than putting up a front.
Why did you apply to EDF?
I enjoyed Physics and Business at school and EDF is a large reputable company which has good progression opportunities. The energy industry has many areas to develop in, especially in the business departments such as customer facing and NNB facing.
How has EDF and your training provider supported you during the Covid-19 pandemic?
During the pandemic, EDF has supported me to develop skills in a range of areas, not just in business. They supported us 100 per cent to make sure apprentices are getting enough support through our line managers and I was still able to have my courses at City of Bristol College through online learning.
What do you enjoy most about your role and what support have you received?
I enjoyed the flexibility and, even though I am doing a business course, I was able to deliver two projects on site. This would definitely be a highlight of my apprenticeship. My mentor was in touch everyday over Skype during lockdown as well.
What is something you have been asked to do which you didn’t expect to be involved in?
The highlight for me was being able to deliver two projects on site within project services. I never thought I would be lucky enough to do project management but when I asked, it was arranged. I was able to deliver the projects with the support of my mentor, which is something I had never done before but is definitely the career path I want to go down.
Where would you like to take your career with EDF in the future?
I would love to stay after my apprenticeship ends. I have built so many friendships with colleagues and I love the job which I am currently in.
I enjoy the diversity of the projects and areas of the business side, it means I am never bored as everyday is different.
Find out about the College’s Apprenticeships and current vacancies today.