What made you choose the Land-Based Service Engineer apprenticeship? When I was studying for my GCSE’s, I was not sure what career avenue to take. I knew I wanted to start work, get some hands-on experience, and earn money straight away. Continuing in full-time education did not appeal to me.
How did you find out about this apprenticeship? I originally considered an Agricultural Engineering course at Reaseheath College, as the college is local to my home. But then I came across the Construction Plant Engineering route, which really caught my interest. I reached out to some local employers, and I was lucky enough to secure an opportunity with Flannery at their Manchester depot. I was very excited – it felt like a great opportunity to make something of myself.
What do you enjoy most about the apprenticeship? I really enjoy working alongside experienced fitters in the workshop, as there is always something new to learn every day. It’s challenging, and you have to earn your stripes, but that makes it rewarding. Also, there are many different routes to explore in construction plant and engineering, which makes my future prospects really exciting.
What advice would you give to someone starting an apprenticeship? Always try to do the best you can! Go beyond expectations! Be keen, observe everything, and take every opportunity to learn new skills and practices. For example, if someone is taking off a turbo, watch and listen, you will learn so much from experienced colleagues. The more experience you get, the better.
What challenges did you face when starting out? When I first started, I was nervous, but I always pushed forward. The good thing about being an apprentice is that people understand that you are still learning, and they really support you. There is a lot of encouragement, and they want to see you thrive.
What kind of support do you receive? I get a huge amount of support from the team in the depot, especially from Paul Beard, our mentor. He is always encouraging and makes sure I know what I am doing. Paul is a great communicator, which puts me at ease.
At Reaseheath College, there is also a lot of one-on-one support when needed, making it a really encouraging and supportive environment. It is a more relaxed environment than school. I enjoy the classroom learning too. Especially because there is a good group of apprentices in my class.
What does a typical working day look like for you? It is always busy! I spend a lot of time in the welding bay improving my fabrication skills, which I really enjoy. Working on machinery is like solving a puzzle—when everything comes together, it’s a great sense of achievement. You can take pride in your work.
How has the apprenticeship helped you grow? The apprenticeship has really helped me to build my confidence and has given me so many transferable skills. One day, I would love to repair machines on-site. The hands-on experience I am getting in the depot is preparing me for that future goal
What are your long-term career goals? I would love to travel to Australia and use my skills abroad. Engineering is a hugely transferable skill, so I know it will open doors for me around the world.
Any final advice for someone considering an apprenticeship? Do your research on different career options and make sure it is something you are genuinely interested in. It is a long programme, so you need to enjoy it. But remember, it’s not just an investment of your time—it’s an investment in your future. Plus, if you do not want to go to college, the apprenticeship is a great way to start earning money straight away, while gaining skills that you can take anywhere.
