When we last spoke to Mike from Severn Trent Water, he was on the verge of completing his apprenticeship and has now graduated with full honours. In fact, Mike was recently named winner of our Overall Final Year Apprentice Award and is also a contender in the Midland’s round of the EEF Manufacturing Awards Final Year Apprentice of the Year.

Achieving industry acclaim from his peers, we had a catch up with Mike for some more words of wisdom.

Mike, congratulations on your award! It’s a fantastic achievement and one fully deserved. So tell us Mike, where did this all begin?

I initially saw the advert for my apprenticeship in the local paper; I applied online and had to attend a preliminary interview. Upon getting through to the next round I attended an assessment centre that consisted of a more thorough interview, team exercises and also psychometric testing. I was successful at this stage and was offered my apprenticeship. The rest as they say is history!

The start of a fantastic career it seems. Did you ever consider higher education?

After leaving college at 18 I decided against going to university as I knew I would waste my time as I didn’t really know what I wanted to do. I instead worked for two years before deciding where I wanted to go career wise and then began looking for an apprenticeship. 

So you really took your time to investigate all your options before choosing an apprenticeship in the manufacturing sector. How does it feel to be part of this world renowned industry?

It’s a great feeling! But at the same time there’s also a level of responsibility to maintain in order to uphold the image and the respect that the industry has gained.

You’re quite right Mike. So what does the future hold for you?

Well since graduating I’ve moved into an area manager’s role with Severn Trent and also just completed my engineering degree. This is a big achievement for myself as it’s been less than twelve months since I completed my apprenticeship. Looking to the future I hope to continue developing myself as a manger and progress further in the company.

And we’re positive you will Mike! Finally, in three words how would you summarise your apprenticeship?

Challenging, rewarding and fun.

Thanks for speaking with us Mike and best of luck in the EEF Manufacturing Awards.

Mike is an individual who excelled during his apprenticeship and is now well on his way to a successful career. If you have the potential to become an award winning apprentice, get in touch.