How cool would it be to work for a company that manufacture engineering marvels such as this…

Harrison Waters does just that. Working as a Technician Apprentice for the producers of this video, Sandvik, we had a chat with Harrison to find out more about his apprenticeship.

Thanks for speaking with us Harrison. So what do Sandvik do apart from making indestructible vehicles?

Sandvik Coromant design, manufacture and sell a wide variety of machine tools specialising in carbide insert tools, solid carbide tools and ceramic insert tools for turning, milling, drilling and deep hole drilling.

I see. I can now understand why your products have to be so tough! So what is your specific role at the company?

During my time at Sandvik I will be moved through many key departments within the company to gain knowledge and experience of how the organisation works, such as R&D, Aerospace Application Centre, Sales, etc. This means I don’t have a specific role yet, but later on in my apprenticeship I will discuss with my managers which department interested me the most and which  they think I achieved the most from. Then I will specify my learning to a single role. 

That’s great that you get to experience so much before deciding your future. Is that the best aspect of your apprenticeship?

That and earning a good wage for my age whilst getting valuable experience.

Of course. Earning whilst you’re learning is a key benefit right?

The main advantage is that you can fund your life, buy things you want and even buy and insure a car with a bit of saving. All this without having to ask parents or securing huge university loans. You also have a guaranteed job, or at least a 95% chance of a job with your sponsor, if you work hard enough.   

And where did your apprenticeship begin?

I found my apprenticeship through EEF and I still get support from a mentor who makes site visits about every six to eight weeks, to check up on any work I’m doing towards my NVQ’s and to get feedback from my employers. One day a week is spent at EEF’s Apprentice and Skills Centre to complete my BTEC qualifications and I will later start working towards my NVQ Level 3 assessments.

So in three words how would you describe your apprenticeship?

Technical, Challenging and Rewarding.

Thanks for speaking with us Harrison. Best of luck with everything.

If you’d like to find out more about what an apprenticeship in manufacturing can offer, find out more here.