Initially I had planned to go to university after I finished my education at school; however I liked the concept of learning while I worked and decided that an apprenticeship was the best way forward for me. At this point I began enquiring into apprenticeship providers and found Rolls Royce North East Training Centre, which I applied for.
I was invited for aptitude tests and an interview which weren’t as daunting as they sounded, and was offered a place on the course to start in September. Before that time came, Rolls-Royce put me forward for a position at Fraser Hydraulic Power Ltd. Following an interview and a tour I was very pleased to be offered the job there.
The first day of my apprenticeship arrived and I started my initial training at the Rolls-Royce North East Training Centre. Over the next 12 months or so I covered a number of modules that would benefit my development including Basic Electrical Principles, Electrical Enclosures and Maintenance Techniques. It was very clear from the start that this was the perfect opportunity to gain access to the engineering environment.
Having finished my time at the Training Centre I now work full-time at FHP. The job is brilliant, there is always interesting projects to get involved with and I have been given opportunities to work on site and abroad. On my last trip, I travelled to Abu Dhabi in the UAE to help install and commission Linear Cable Engines. It was one of the best experiences I have had and opened my eyes to living and working abroad.