Meet some of our Apprentices
Laura
2nd Year Engineering Design (Mechanical) - Birchwood Park, Risley
I am currently in my second year as a Design Apprentice. The subjects I am currently studying include; Further Mathematics, Business Systems and Operations, Communications for Technicians, Engineering Design, Engineering Projects and finally Electronics. The course is going really well and I am achieving all the required grades and more to ensure that I get on the HNC course next year.
My experience so far at Training 2000 has been great. During my time at the training centre I have learnt a wide range of different types of engineering, including turning, milling; pneumatics; key skills; drawing and finally fitting.
I am now based in one of Nuvia's drawing offices. I have been assigned a mentor, and I am completing various AutoCAD tasks. I have attended an AutoCAD course which lasted three days; this really helped me to further my skills using the software.
I have had the opportunity to spend two weeks in the Marketing Department, I found this a good way to understand the different sectors of the Company and gain an appreciation for them. I am really enjoying my apprenticeship so far and feel that I am progressing well within the course.
Andrew
1st Year Engineering Design (Mechanical) - Birchwood Park, Risley
After completing my A-levels, I was given the opportunity to start an apprenticeship in Design Engineering or continue on to University. An apprenticeship has always been more preferable to me as it offers valuable training, engineering qualifications and experience in the workplace. Therefore when I was offered this apprenticeship, I had no hesitation in accepting it.
During the time I have spent at Training 2000, I have gained knowledge and experience in a wide variety of engineering skills such as CAD, Mechanical Maintenance, Electrical and Metalwork to name but a few. It has also allowed me to further my technical education and work towards relevant qualifications.
On reflection, accepting this apprenticeship has definitely been the right choice for me and I have no regrets with my decision. I would recommend this fantastic opportunity to anyone wishing to pursue a career in engineering.
Lee
4th Year Engineering Design (Mechanical) - Westlakes Science & Technology Park, Cumbria
I started my apprenticeship in September 2007 at the age of 16. The apprenticeship programme was with Gen II training based at Sellafield. I enjoyed a year of training in the Gen II centre and workshops in which I completed my NVQ level 2 in mechanical maintenance, machining, hand tool skills and Computer Aided Design. Gen II also gave me the opportunity of gaining a BTEC first diploma at college.
Towards the end of this year at Gen II I was interviewed by Nuvia to be an apprentice mechanical designer. I have now been with Nuvia for over two years and have been developing my skills for working in the mechanical design department. I have worked on a number of design projects ranging from design development to detailed design drawing packs, under the guidance of a lead Mechanical Engineer. During my time with Nuvia I have completed my National Certificate college course and NVQ level 3. I am now working on my HNC at college with support from the Company, and hope to continue my development in mechanical engineering with Nuvia.
Natalie
2nd Year Engineering Design (Mechanical) - Birchwood Park, Risley
I have always wanted a career that involved design and technology. I could have continued with my interests to University but the option of being an apprentice in this field was more promising.
I attend Training 2000 once a week to work towards completing the second year of my ONC in Engineering. I aim to achieve Merits or above, this is so I can continue with my studies onto HNC (Higher National Certificate). My Careers Development Advisor pays monthly visits to make sure I am on target whilst completing my NVQ Level 3.
I was on the Health & Safety Committee at Training 2000. I really enjoyed being part of the committee as it made me realise how important safety actually is, especially in our industry!
Laura and I have been selected to be ambassadors for Nuvia and Training 2000. The ambassador role involves promoting Nuvia and apprenticeships to younger people. I am really enjoying the ambassador role as I am able to influence people to become an apprentice.
I am thoroughly enjoying my time working at the Company, it has been nice meeting lots of new people and I look forward to start working on projects!
Ben
1st Year Engineering Design (Mechanical) - Birchwood Park, Risley
I always wanted to take up a career in engineering, a path I found more appealing than going through college. With an apprenticeship I will be able to get qualifications as well as a valuable experience. I have already had experience in different aspects of engineering such as electrical, sheet metal working, mechanical maintenance and Computer Aided Design. I will be able to use all these skills to give me a better understanding of the engineering field as a whole.
Training 2000 has been great. I have gained experience of working in groups and independently and am now more confident at putting forward my own ideas. Training 2000 provides you with many skills that will be later used in the work place and fully prepares you for when you start full time. That is one of the main reasons that I chose an apprenticeship. It is a good step forward into my career because I have a company supporting me along the way and am learning everything I need to do the job I have always wanted to do.
Jamie
4th Year Engineering Design (Electrical) - Birchwood Park, Risley
I am currently in the final year of a 4 year design apprenticeship that I started in 2007. I completed the first 3 years of my training elsewhere. I decided to move to Nuvia in 2010 as I was keen to work for a major player within the growing nuclear industry. With the nuclear new build scheme on the horizon, the industry is an innovative and exciting place to be. The help of the friendly and experienced EC&I team, coupled with the completion of my HNC, are developing the key design skills required to further my career.
As I move towards the end of my apprenticeship, I am looking to further my qualifications and go onto a part time degree in Industrial Electronics & Control. This will be a significant step in achieving chartership within my engineering field. Everybody within the company has been extremely supportive with this and I hope to begin the course in late 2011. This just goes to show that apprenticeships may also open the door to higher education as an alternative to the conventional college route.
