Name: Jacob Pullar

Position: 1^st year Facilities and Building Services Apprentice, working within the Engineering department in the Port of Grangemouth.

What does your typical day look like?

My day starts with a morning team meeting where managers update me and the team on progress of jobs and allocate any new jobs. This provides me with a job list on Microsoft Teams and that dictates what I’m going to do that day.

What jobs do you get involved in?

As a first year apprentice some of my main jobs have included dealing with contractors. This includes bringing them on to site, inducting them, ensuring they aware of site policies and supporting them if needed. I am responsible for checking all meters and emergency lights across the Port. I have also just started just reviewing internal building lighting for improvements in energy efficiency, also scoped mapping port site for landscape maintenance on a service schedule. For landscape contractors.

How is your apprenticeship structured?

My apprenticeship is a three year programme. In my first and second year I am working toward my Diploma in Facilities Services with City of Glasgow College which is an SVQ. It is all work-based learning with no need to attend College. I complete my portfolio electronically on OneFile. This is made up of work place evidence and performance questions. My assessor also comes to the site every 3 weeks to assess me in the workplace and help me where required.

In Year 3 there will be an opportunity for me to progress to HNC in Facilities Management/Services.

General thoughts on being an Apprentice at Forth Ports & why is it a good route?

There is a massive variety of jobs available at the port, each day can be completely different.  As well as my technical training and support from the Engineering team, I also have a dedicated Learning & Development Specialist who I have regular reviews with to check in on my progress and general wellbeing. I also get together with all Apprentices across Scotland for ‘Apprentice Days’ once per quarter.

How was the recruitment process?

To start with I applied for the job by submitting my CV. I was then invited to attend an Assessment Centre where I got to learn more about Forth Ports and the role.  During the Assessment Centre I had to complete various assessments, interview and take part in a group exercise. After that I got invited for a second interview which was a full site tour and more information on the job itself. A week later, I got a phone call saying I got the Job, This full process lasted around 2 months from the day I applied to the day I got the call for the Job.

Any advice for anyone applying?

The best advice I could give is to give it your best shot, and if you get the job work hard at it as it is an amazing opportunity.

What specific skills do you feel you’ve developed or enhanced during your apprenticeship? Any challenges faced that allowed you to apply the skills you have learned?

During my time here I have developed my communication skills.  This has helped me when dealing with different people across the business including third party contractors.

In what ways has your apprenticeship programme contributed to overall personal and professional growth?

It has helped me grow a better work ethic and professional etiquette.