Sally Beadle from Aycliffe is on on an advanced technical apprenticeship with Hitachi.
Although her GCSE results could have allowed her to pursue the traditional route, she chose an apprenticeship to learn and gain qualifications whilst following the career path chosen. She finds that a practical style of learning really helps her understand each subject.
For the past 7 months Sally attended South West Durham Training 5 days a week. 4 of these days are spent working towards our NVQ level 2 (PEO) covering 3 main areas – maintenance, bench fitting and electrical. The other day is spent working towards BTEC level 3 in engineering.
As SWDT closes during school holidays for training, we are buddied up with engineers and are given the opportunity to see the work they are doing and the progress they have made. They also offer us guidance and support with our BTEC work.
Sally has been with Hitachi since September 2014 and along the other 3 apprentices had the opportunity to go to the Ashford maintenance depot where they were given a tour and spent time with the engineers who maintain the train.
“I have vastly increased my knowledge and practical skills due to the training offered by SWDT. The short NVQ course has helped me to understand the foundations of engineering and has been very beneficial when talking to the engineers from HRE about their jobs.” said Sally.
If you want to gain qualifications and experience but don’t like being confined to a classroom, an apprenticeship is definitely for you. With my apprenticeship I am able to gain all the required qualifications whilst being paid, which I would not have done if I had followed the traditional route.
Sally said there’s lots of opportunity for progression within HRE. She joined the company early which means she has the opportunity to advance her career as the company expands. “I am keen to continue with learning, both practical and academic; as there is chance to undertake higher qualifications such as an HNC.” said Sally.
Sally Beadle
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Newtonian Fern Whittaker followed a Business Administration apprenticeship at Bishop Auckland College and wanted to go straight into a work environment to gain the experience whilst still studying. She spent four days in work and one day at college.and has been been with Hitachi for 18 months.
She attended a business ambassador training course, and a number of schools, taking part in mock interviews and skills matching exercises. Fern has progressed and moved into the Human Resource team continuing with CIPD level 3 qualification.
“I would advise young people to look at all options available and not just university. I would also say this is a good opportunity to gain the experience and gain qualifications at the same time” said Fern.
Fern Whittaker
