National Apprenticeship Week is a week-long celebration of the value that apprenticeships bring to individuals and businesses, as well as the wider economy. It’s an ideal time for us to shine a spotlight on our own apprentices, who play a vital role in our company.
We currently have five apprentices in our UK business and while the majority are apprentice engineers, we also have office-based apprentices. The benefit for us is that we are developing the next generation of our workforce with an in-depth knowledge of how our business operates.
But what’s in it for them? We interviewed some of our apprentices to find out.
Why choose an apprenticeship?
The combination of joining the workforce while studying for a qualification at the same time appealed to Kian Frost, our Apprentice Data Analyst.
Kian explains: “I thought about going to university but the chance to ‘earn while you learn’ with an apprenticeship seemed like a better option to me. I get valuable work experience, earn a wage – and achieve a qualification at the end of it.”
For Apprentice Engineer Ellis Starr his Level 2 Multi-Skills Electrical and Mechanical Apprenticeship is an ideal introduction to a career in engineering. He says: “I don’t want to sit in an office all day. I’m interested in being hands-on, and this is a good trade to get into.”
Sam McAlister, who is working towards a Level 3 Maintenance and Operations Engineering Technician Apprenticeship, agrees. He believes that his apprenticeship will improve his employability and is the first step towards a lifelong career in engineering.
Why H+H?
Our apprentices are a savvy bunch, so all researched the company thoroughly before applying – and liked what they saw. The interview process for the engineers included a factory tour which helped seal the deal for both Sam and Ellis who both thought it looked like ‘an exciting place to work.’
For office-based Kian what stood out for him at interview stage was how friendly everyone was.
The apprentices also recognised the benefit of joining such a well-established company for their career prospects going forward. As Sam commented: “This business isn’t going anywhere any time soon.”
How’s it going?
Kian has been surprised by just how much he’s learnt in a short space of time. Five months into his Level 3 Data Analyst Apprenticeship he has already learnt a new coding language and is an integral part of the team, providing reporting and data insights to colleagues from across the business.
He says: "At H+H, every day brings new learning opportunities and has given me the space to build confidence, develop skills, and turn my curiosity into growth."
Ellis, the youngest of the group at 16 years old, also says he is learning a lot. He was excited to leave school and join ‘the real world’ – and three months in is still excited to come to work every day. He’s discovered a talent for welding which he says is his favourite part of the job so far. He’s also enjoying getting in amongst the machines on the factory floor and being taught how to maintain and fix them by the more experienced members of the team.
Sam has found that working at H+H has afforded him opportunities that other apprentices he’s spoken to haven’t had. He cites the software programme he is learning, which runs all the machinery in the factory, and the fact that he’s working in an automated environment, whereas other apprentice engineers on his course are working in a static plant.
Perhaps more importantly Sam says that he has settled in really well at H+H: "It's a fantastic company to work for. I get on well with everyone I work with and I'm happy here.”
Should you do an apprenticeship?
To others considering an apprenticeship Ellis' advice is simple: "Do it!"
He says: "If it's something that interests you, you're going to enjoy it - and you learn more by going to work and learning from people with years of experience."
To anyone interested in engineering, Sam adds: "It's an industry that's lacking in apprentices - and that needs them. The skills you'll learn will give you a good chance of being able to walk straight into a job and give you the opportunity to stay in employment until you retire."
National Apprenticeship Week is all about celebrating people like Ellis, Kian, Sam and our other apprentices, who are at the start of their careers. As for us, their enthusiasm is catching and we’re delighted that they’ve decided to join our team.