Meet Matthew, a former Mechanical Engineering Apprentice who has worked at British Engines Group company Michell Bearings for over six years!
Tell us about your role
I’m a CNC Machinist at Michell Bearings working on the Hermle C52 5-axis machine. I finished my apprenticeship in 2021 so I’ve been in my current role for just over two years.
What made you choose an apprenticeship?
I much prefer learning in a hands-on way rather than in a classroom, so an apprenticeship seemed like a good option. My uncle worked at British Engines Group company, BEL Valves, as Operations Manager. He said that British Engines was a great company to work for because it has lots of opportunities for progression and an excellent apprenticeship scheme.
During my apprenticeship, I got to experience lots of departments within the factory such as milling, turning, grinding and production engineering. After two years I trained on the Puma turning machine, which is the route I’ve gone down. I would like to progress even further within the business in the future!
What was the highlight of your apprenticeship?
Getting a permanent job at the end of my apprenticeship was a massive highlight. I was very proud of myself for achieving that! I also really enjoyed the apprentice activity week in the Lake District, especially the ghyll scrambling and hiking up Helvellyn.
I much prefer learning in a hands-on way rather than in a classroom, so an apprenticeship seemed like a good option. My uncle worked at British Engines Group company, BEL Valves, as Operations Manager. He said that British Engines was a great company to work for because it has lots of opportunities for progression and an excellent apprenticeship scheme.
Did you do any further qualifications as part of your apprenticeship?
I completed an HNC in Mechanical Engineering and I’m currently doing an HND in General Engineering. I would like to do a degree in the future, but would prefer to progress further within the business first!
What advice would you give to someone considering an apprenticeship?
You get out of it what you put in to it. 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!
What inspires you?
I wouldn’t say anything inspires me in particular but I know what I want to achieve in life and I work hard to get it. I’d say I’m quite an ambitious person.
Tell us an interesting fact about yourself…
I have an identical twin who also works at Michell Bearings! We’re definitely very competitive with each other which also helps me to push myself.
What are your long term career goals?
I would like to become a Production Engineer, that’s what I’m aiming for! I know it’s a progressive company so I’m hoping a vacancy will come up within the next few years. I really do like working for Michell Bearings and the British Engines Group as a whole. The people are great and I really like the products they produce. The company has also invested a lot in my training and qualifications which I’m very grateful for.
Thank you for speaking to us Matthew, we wish you the best of luck with your HND!
Ready to follow in Matthew’s footsteps and start your career in engineering? Applications for our Mechanical Engineering Apprenticeship scheme are now open. Apply now!