- What inspired you to choose an apprenticeship?
Knowing that I was not going to be sat in a classroom all the time but gaining hands on experience and working with different people all whilst earning a wage. - How did you discover the Darchem apprenticeship program?
Through college/ government website. - What were your expectations before starting, and how have they compared to your actual experience?
Before starting, I expected to be challenged by the tasks within the apprenticeship and expected to not settle in straight away on the Darchem site. Compared to now, I have faced many challenges, which I have learnt a lot from. When I arrived at the Darchem site, I settled in and felt comfortable immediately. - What does a typical day look like for you in your role?
Working on different jobs alongside someone I can learn from and pick up new skills/ knowledge from. Usually carry out some welding and often given jobs to measure and mark out. - What skills have you learned so far, and how are they helping you in your work?
- Learned how to TIG weld which helps me in work because welding is involved with most jobs
- I’ve also learned how to safely operate different machines which are used in work
- I’ve learnt how to mark out metals of different sizes and shapes
- Can you share a project or task you’ve particularly enjoyed working on?
I enjoyed working on an exhaust support cowl for a marine application with Colin as it was a much larger job, and it helped to push me out of my comfort zone as I was carrying out a range of different activities on the job. I also enjoyed taking part in the Women in Engineering event at college. - How has the apprenticeship helped you grow personally and professionally?
It has helped me grow personally because I have gained confidence since starting the apprenticeship. It has helped me grow professionally as I have faced challenges, I have been able to learn and develop my skills from. - What has been the biggest challenge, and how did you overcome it?
Being patient when I don’t get something right first time. I over come this by taking my time and learning it’s okay if I don’t always Get things right first time, as long as I keep going and try again, because I always get there in the end. - What are your career goals, and how has the apprenticeship prepared you to achieve them?
My career goals are to push myself as far as possible and to work my way up the different job positions in the industry. My apprenticeship has prepared me for this by giving me the hands-on experience as well as allowing me to learn something new every day. - What advice would you give to someone considering an apprenticeship?
That an apprenticeship is not always easy, but it’s certainly worth it. You meet great people along the way and gain knowledge and experience that you couldn’t get from anywhere else. - What tips would you give to someone applying for an apprenticeship?
To know exactly what you are applying for and to do your research surrounding that apprenticeship. To make sure that the apprenticeship you apply for is something you can see yourself doing and enjoying in the future.
