To celebrate National Apprenticeship Week (February 5-11) we’re sharing insights into some of our apprenticeship roles at Selwood and our team who began their careers as apprentices.
Here, we sat down with Reece to find out why he chose the apprenticeship route and the journey he took to get to where he is today.
Why did you choose to do an apprenticeship?
“I started an electrical engineering course at college with a desire to become a domestic electrician, wiring lights, plug sockets and fuse boards in homes.
“My college course showed me there was more to electrical engineering and I could go down the industrial route.
“As a result I chose to do an electrical engineering apprenticeship with a company called Avery Weigh-Tronix – one of the world’s largest manufacturers of industrial weighing equipment. My apprenticeship was in the railway division of the company. I supported the teams in testing, manufacturing, building and fault finding – it was great to get hands-on experience in different areas.
“For three years I worked at Avery Weigh-Tronix four days per week and spent one day at college.”
How has your apprenticeship benefited your career?
“When I finished my apprenticeship and started applying for jobs, I had more experience than candidates straight out of university. I had the textbook knowledge and practical, hands-on experience that can’t be taught in school.
“This put me in a good position to succeed in team leader and managerial roles in engineering, power and diesel companies. Most of the skills I have today, I acquired during my apprenticeship and have continued to develop them.
“It’s been seven years since my apprenticeship, and I strongly believe it has helped me climb the ladder quickly in this industry.”
What’s it like managing apprentices at Selwood?
“I’ve only been at Selwood for seven months (as Head of Product and Service Excellence) but I immediately wanted to be part of the apprenticeship scheme.
“Seeing how it has benefited my career and where it has taken me, I wanted to support someone else just starting out to do the same.
“We have two Apprentice Pump Technicians who have come on leaps and bounds since they started with us a few months ago. One had some experience and an interest in mechanical engineering, but the other was doing a carpentry course before he started his apprenticeship.
“They’re both doing really well and have learnt a lot which proves that experience isn't a requirement, having the right attitude is what matters the most.”
Would you recommend an apprenticeship?
“If someone is debating doing an apprenticeship, I’d say do it. It’s the best way to learn quickly because you are mentored by people that have worked in the industry for years. They teach you the tricks of the trade! You’re also getting paid, which means a good income from the age of 16.”