We asked some of our current and former apprentices what their advice for apprentices who are just beginning their training would be…
1: “My advice for apprentices would be don’t be afraid to ask questions. You’re not meant to know all the answers, so be willing to learn and get stuck in. There were times I struggled but I am glad that I stuck it out because it has led me to where I am.”Patrick Keenan, Valve Technician and former Manufacturing Apprentice at BEL Valves.
2: “My advice would be to just do it. There are so many benefits to doing an apprenticeship and you’ll get to learn on the job whilst meeting lots of new people. You’ll get to hear lots of different points of view as well which really helps you to develop as a person. I’m really glad I chose an apprenticeship rather than going to university.”
Sam Barton, 4th year Maintenance Apprentice at Rotary Power
3: “The more you listen the more you learn. The people around you are here to help, so you should never feel a burden if you didn’t quite understand what someone was saying and have to ask them to repeat it.”
Matthew Grant, 2nd year Finance Apprentice at the British Engines Group
4: “I would say don’t be put off engineering just because you’re a girl. Initially I was nervous about being the only female on the shop floor, but I quickly I realised there was nothing to worry about. Hopefully over time we will see even more women in engineering!”
Annabel Dalby, Tendering Technician and former Manufacturing Apprentice at BEL Valves
5: “My advice is, if you enjoy engineering then you should go for it! Just make sure you’re willing to put the work in and remember it will all be worth it in the end when you’re qualified.”
Dylan Hedley, 3rd year Fitting, Assembly and Test Apprentice at Rotary Power
6: “Once you start the apprenticeship, stick at it and persevere. It’s a great feeling at the end of the four years knowing you’ve passed. I’m really excited to see what the future brings and this course has been an amazing stepping stone to achieving my goals.”
Holly Allen, Machining Centre Operative and former Manufacturing Apprentice at BEL Engineering
7: “There is no substitute for physically handling the tools and materials to accelerate your understanding. The skills you learn during an apprenticeship last a lifetime and transfer from the workplace into hobbies and everyday projects. I firmly believe that the combination of education and practical experience gives you a head start against your competition!”
Steve Dixon, CEO and former Manufacturing Apprentice at Michell Bearings
8: “My advice to new apprentices would be to approach all new tasks as learning opportunities. There is always a lesson and something to learn in new experiences and it is very beneficial to take away as much knowledge and information, as it can always be of use in the future”
Megan Bradwell, Training and Administration Coordinator and former Business Apprentice at CMP
9: “Take advantage of the opportunity to learn as much as you can whilst being paid to do so. If you work hard and do well, you have the chance to get a secure job at the end of your training so always try your best and grab the opportunities given to you.”
Brandon Dalton, CNC Machinist and former Manufacturing Apprentice at Rotary Power
10: “If you want to strive for something, as long as you put in the effort, you’ll get it. If you want to do higher education, such as an HNC, HND or even a degree, you could have the chance to do that through your apprenticeship as long as you’re willing to put the work in!”
Matthew Cain, Machining Centre Operative and former Manufacturing Apprentice at Michell Bearings
Applications for our award-winning Apprenticeship scheme are now open. Apply now!