Student Case Studies

Advanced Manufacturing Engineering Level 3 Apprenticeship - James

Former School(s): Moon Hall

James joined ESC after completing his GCSEs and was drawn to a Full-time qualification in Electro-Mechanical Engineering. After attending an employer talk from Bucher Municipal during his first year of studies he decided to move into an Apprenticeship.

How did you find your apprenticeship? Where did you look, what did the application process involve?

Bucher Municipal visited the College to give a talk about their company and the work placement opportunities available. It seemed really interesting, so I decided to apply. It was really easy to apply, I dropped them an email with my CV, and they got back to me inviting me to an Interview and it went from there.

Why did you decide to study at ESC?

I knew I wasn’t going to carry on with the sixth form route, I’m not really one for sitting down in classrooms. I didn’t struggle with academic study but I just knew it wasn’t a route I wanted to go down. I looked at the Mechanical & Electrical Engineering course as a gateway opportunity to a career and it also allowed me to be more practical. After a year of studying, I knew I wanted to follow the apprenticeship route and be in the work environment more.

When did you start with Bucher Municipal and what does your apprenticeship involve?

I started in August 2020 and I now in my fourth and final year. To go back to the beginning for the first two years, they show you as much as they can to better your understanding of how the whole company works not just the welding and fabricating areas. You also get to meet lots of people in the company this way. On a day-to-day basis, I weld the main parts for road sweepers, I go in get given a job and quoted for the hours I do. I could be welding for 8-9 hours or fabricating on a table with a machine. I work hard and because of this I am able to carry out lots of different jobs at the company.

How do you find the world of work – what skills have you needed that have surprised you?

At work we are flat out, it gives you that maturity to turn up on time and build an understanding of what it’s like to work, managing your shift patterns, keeping up with your time and mature personally. It’s not like coming to school, I work for the rest of the week, so I have to crack on.

What are you enjoying most about your apprenticeship so far? Any highlights or projects that stand out?

I entered World Skills, who organise lots of competitions for vocational skills. For welding it’s a four-day competition, it tests all aspects of your welding and fabrication. It’s a nationwide competition where lots of company’s and colleges like ours enter. There were 10 of us that went to the finals from across the UK, held in Manchester. I was able to meet likeminded people and had a great time. I didn’t win but getting to the final was a huge achievement.

How does the training you have received at College help you with your job? What do you think of the course at ESC?

At College we have all the facilities to learn and experiment with. My tutor Dan is amazing, he touches more on the theory side of the welding. I can go to work and have a much better understanding of what goes on, and it allows you to think why you are doing something. The knowledge is what you get paid for and it gives you the opportunity to take your career as far as possible.

What advice would you give to students considering an apprenticeship?

I cannot recommend it enough you are obviously earning whilst you're learning. It’s good to learn what it’s like to work, time management and people skills and I enjoy having the task set by work and having the responsibility to complete it. I’m really supported by my tutor whilst doing it. I know it’s not for everyone it is hard work, but I wouldn’t do it if I didn’t enjoy it.

What are your future plans?

I have this year to finish, then my end point assessment where an assessor watches you for a day to see how you follow correct procedures. But for what I want to do, that’s for the future, I’ll see what comes up. I’m always up for ‘don’t ask don’t get’. I’m going to push my luck and keep asking for more opportunities at work. I quite enjoy drawing, so I would like to explore additional CAD courses and might consider the HNC & HND routes, my options are open.

If you are interested in earning whilst you learn with an Apprenticeship or studying Engineering click each of the links, to learn more.