University of Sheffield - Engineering Apprenticeship: James Coxon

Job title: Composites apprentice

Employer: McLaren Automotive

Degree: Advanced level 3 composites technician apprenticeship

 

What inspired you to pursue a career in engineering?

I’ve always had a keen interest in engineering, especially in the automotive industry. It’s always been a career path I’ve envisioned for myself, it was always something I wanted to go into.

In my early years of secondary school, I transferred to the UTC Sheffield which is an engineering-specialised school. This is where I did both my GCSEs and A-levels with a focus on engineering subjects. The opportunities and experience here allowed me to find my focus and I knew I wanted to work in composites.

How do you think your apprenticeship will give you the skills and knowledge you need for a rewarding career?

One of the biggest things I’ve learned during my apprenticeship is the importance of being proactive. I’ve taken the initiative to seek out new opportunities, learn from experienced engineers and even connect with teams in other parts of the company. By being proactive and always striving to learn more, I’ve been able to accelerate my growth and make the most of my time at McLaren.

What was the best part about doing an apprenticeship at the AMRC Training Centre?

The best part about my apprenticeship at the AMRC Training Centre is definitely the mix of theory and hands-on experience.I’ve had the chance to visit a range of different companies, from material suppliers to testing labs and even motorsport environments. And I don’t think I’d ever have had these opportunities without the apprenticeship. Especially for composites most other training providers focus heavily on theory, but here, we’re actually out there, seeing how things work in the real world and gaining knowledge on how other sectors operate

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