Josh, a mechanical engineer at Associated British Ports, would highly recommend an apprenticeship with HETA
After completing my A-levels in 2014, I joined HETA. I was originally interested in going to university to study mechanical engineering, but I felt that the apprenticeship route would be more beneficial, as it offered ‘hands-on’ experience.
Following the recruitment process, I was able to secure an interview with Associated British Ports (ABP). Having been successful, I was offered a four-year advanced apprenticeship in mechanical engineering.
The first year of the apprenticeship was to be completed at HETA in Hull. While there, I learnt several skills, ranging from CAD and CAM software, to being able to use machines such as milling machines, lathes, bandsaws and pillar drills. I also learnt several hand skills such as filing and parts assembly.
Learning these skills helped make the transition into industry much easier, especially while working at ABP where we deal with anything from a small hydraulic pump to 400 tonne cranes.
After starting at ABP in 2016, I continued to further my education with programmes offered by HETA. I have managed to achieve distinctions in my HNC and HND, all while continuing to work for ABP. I was able to keep a good work-life balance by staying on top of my assignments.
I gave myself time throughout the week to dedicate to getting the assignments or reports completed. Rather than leaving it all to the last minute, this gave me time to go back through them and ensure they were up to the standard to achieve the grades I wanted.
In 2019, I was nominated for the Hull & East Yorkshire People in Business Apprentice of the Year award. Unfortunately, I narrowly missed the top spot, and ended up as the runner-up. I didn’t let this hold me back, because I went onto win overall Apprentice of the Year and the overall Engineering Apprentice of the Year at the 2019 ABP Apprentice Awards.
I have now secured a full-time position as a mechanical engineer for ABP and I am looking at continuing my education through a degree. None of this would have been possible without starting at HETA and getting an apprenticeship.
If you want to get into the engineering field but are unsure of how to start, I would highly recommend an apprenticeship with HETA.
