Student Case Studies

Advanced Manufacturing Engineering Level 3 Appenticeship - Tim

After taking A levels at school, Tim explored the University option. However, the idea of an apprenticeship appealed to him more as he didn't like the idea of getting into debt and wanted to get on the career ladder as soon as possible:

"With apprenticeships, you have the opportunity to learn how a company works from the bottom to the top, so although it’s a slower route than Uni, you get a more thorough understanding."

"Also, it’s great to earn money whilst learning on the job!”

Tim joined Bucher Municipal, the world's leading supplier of municipal vehicles, on a three-year apprenticeship in July 2020. The company was recommended by a friend who was doing a welding apprenticeship there.

He completed a two-month work induction before starting at ESC in September 2020.

Since then Tim has found the training he receives at college very useful in his workplace:

“It’s good to physically utilise the knowledge I’ve learnt at college on the job.”

Conversely, his experiences at work have helped him to tailor questions to his tutors to gain knowledge relevant to his field.

“We get solid support from our tutors who are helpful and approachable. It’s really useful that they have industry experience.”

Tim's favourite element of his apprenticeship is the variety:

“I enjoy moving around and learning about different areas, from the production line to testing."

He also values the opportunities and training open to him eg. the Six Sigma course, based on Japanese ideology, which involves problem solving to achieve lean manufacturing.

When Tim completes his apprenticeship, he plans to go on to do an HNC, HND and possibly a Masters whilst continuing to work.

Think the apprenticeship route would suit you? Check out the  dedicated Apprenticeships section of our website here