Apprentices and Skills
I started my apprenticeship at the EEF Apprentice and Skills Centre and after getting my NVQ Level 2 I began my company-based training at Ashton & Moore.
I started in the quality department in May 2010 in the role of Quality Assistant. As my learning and knowledge grew, I took on more responsibilities under the guidance of our Assistant Quality Manager.
I never knew much about quality before, it was one of those things that are always there and I didn’t think about the processes involved. The role initially attracted me because of my interest in aerospace and Ashton & Moore is in that industry.
Being Quality Assistant opened many opportunities for me to advance in the company. I’ve developed my work and was promoted to Quality Technician in December 2011 when our Assistant Quality Manager was promoted to Quality Manager. I’m currently studying for a professional qualification in quality management.
Our workload in the quality department increased so in September 2012 it was decided to add another person.
My company asked me to take on the challenge of introducing the new person, Will, to the team and of training him to carry out my work role. This seemed a really daunting task. At first it was a bit strange training someone who is 23 and has spent time at university when I’m only 20 and joined Ashton & Moore at 18.
But I like the responsibility of training someone and I’m learning new skills as a supervisor. The role doesn’t seem terrifying as I first thought it would be.
There’s a distinct possibility that I’ll be offered a move to the technical department. I’m looking forward to that because I’d be more involved in our manufacturing processes.
My company does coating, finishing and painting which involves a lot of chemicals. The technical department advises customers on the processes we can undertake and makes sure chemicals are disposed of in an environmentally friendly way. There are similarities with the work of the quality department.
I was interested in science at school (chemistry in particular) and that’s continued to the point that I’m considering the possibility of further or higher education and getting a engineering degree after I complete my BTech in Manufacturing.
Hannah Parker, Quality Technician Ashton & Moore Ltd
Yesterday the Apprentice and Skills roadshow continued as we attended the Careers Fair at Baverstock Foundation school, Specialist Sports College & 6th form college located in Druids Heath, Birmingham. The School has recently gained “The Most Improved School in the Country” Award.
Throughout the day we met and were inspired by pupils from years 9 through to 13. I spoke to around 20 girls who were very open minded regarding future careers, and were expecting or had gained excellent Maths, Science & DT grades at GCSE. Many were asking about possible second and third career routes as they desperately wanted to gain employment and were considering a variety of further education and/or career options to gain the skills and experience to make them more employable in the future.
It was certainly a new experience for me to talk one young woman who had previously considered a career in child care & education but was now looking at finance or engineering and sciences courses due to her high level of achievement in her maths & science exams.
It wasn’t just the girls were looking at alternative options; some boys who had considered themselves future carpenters, electricians and accountants all asked about transferring their skills to an engineering trade. They wanted to find out how rewarding a career in engineering really is. I believe this stems from several of their teachers having engineering & other vocational backgrounds, who could give real insight into career options.
A maths teacher, during a break period, reminisced about a job she’d held during the 70’s at an engineering company. She loved her role and was soon promoted to Production Manager. Unfortunately she was later held back from higher positions due to the culture of the day. She decided to make further use of her maths skills, by teaching others and passing on her enjoyment of the subject. She now uses her knowledge of industry to advise pupils on careers routes into engineering.
All in all a very good day. Fingers crossed for repeats of these experiences in Solihull this afternoon & at St Peters Girls School & the Walsall Real Apprentice Showcase on Thursday.
If you’re interested in finding out more about the apprentice options open to you please call me on 0121 707 1414 or email speak2barry@eef.org.uk
The cold weather didn't deter young people and their parents from coming to the Sandwell Careers Event and we were pleased they battled against the elements to see us!
On the first day of our Apprentice Week Roadshow We met students who would make great manufacturing apprentices, including a young lady who, on completion of her A'levels is looking to take on a manufacturing apprenticeship. It's excellent news that we've seen an increase in girls looking at manufacturing as a career this year.
The EEF information packs were eagerly collected by young people, parents, school teachers and careers teachers.
We hope to see many of the young people we met again - next time as Apprentices!
If you're interested in finding out more about becoming an Apprentice call me on 0121 707 1414 or email speak2barry@eef.org.uk
I completed my apprenticeship 1½ years ago but I’ve carried on studying.
My employer Midland Precision Equipment (MPE) is great, continuing to let me off one day a week to attend day release courses.
I’ve got just over two years to go. At the moment I’m doing an HNC at Henley College in Coventry and in September I’m due to start an HND course. After that, and another year’s study, I hope to get my engineering degree.
Earning wages while you study and no student debts to pay off, it’s no contest as far as I’m concerned, apprenticeship wins hands down.
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