Ever wondered how they make mechanical monsters such as this? 

Here’s a video documenting the construction of these giant destructors…

But we also wanted a chat with the people who put these machines together and caught up with Harrison Waters who is a Technician Apprentice for Sandvik, manufacturer of these earth movers.

Great to see you again Harrison. We’d like to know a bit more about your apprenticeship with Sandvik. When did it all begin?

I started attending EEF’s Apprentice and Skills Centre in October 2010 as a program lead course to complete my NVQ level 2 in engineering. During this time the EEF helped find interviews for NVQ level 3 apprenticeships at various companies specialising in engineering, this was how I found out about Sandvik. So my sponsored apprenticeship with them started on the 1st of April 2011.

No April’s Fool then?! So why did you choose an apprenticeship?

I chose an apprenticeship over higher education for several reasons, mainly the fact of having thousands of pounds of debt and the lack of a job after graduating isn’t as appealing as earning a decent wage. So getting all my education paid for and having a job guaranteed after completing my qualifications seems a much better route to follow. Another reason being I had completed my first year of A levels and really didn’t enjoy the academic environment. I prefer a more hands on approach, which an apprenticeship provides. 

That’s a fair point. So what’s been your highlight to date?

I think the fact that I managed to get an apprenticeship at Sandvik Coromant is my personal highlight so far, I didn’t expect to get an apprenticeship with such a well know company. I also managed to joint win the EEF Apprentice of the Year award with Nina Cataldo, the other apprentice at Sandvik.

That’s great news! Seems as though Sandvik are on to a winner with not only one award winning apprentice but two. What are the next steps for you then?

After my apprenticeship I intend to complete a foundation degree in my specific field of expertise as a minimum and plan to achieve higher qualifications. Ultimately going on to become a highly qualified engineer.

So an apprenticeship is something you’d recommend?

I would definitely recommend an apprenticeship to anyone considering it, as you can achieve as much, if not more, than going to uni. You can complete your NVQ level 2 and 3 then move on to level 4 and 5, which can lead to a day release or full time degree at a local university with the course fee covered for you by your company or sponsor whilst also earning a very good wage. So there are many plus points over going straight to university or work. 

Again, thanks for your time Harrison.

Harrison is one talented apprentice who has a glittering career ahead of him. If you’re inspired to follow suit, get in touch with us.