When you’re an apprentice you get paid and train at the same time, gaining valuable hands-on experience working whilst you learn, helping you become fully competent in your chosen occupation.
This week is National Apprenticeship Week and we’re taking a closer look at our apprenticeships, from those training, through to the employers working with us.
Joe Greeves is training through a Maintenance Engineering Apprenticeship, which he started in September 2019.
He works for a company in Lincoln and saw his apprenticeship as a way to change roles and move on to something different within the company.
“I work for a company called Bifrangi UK Ltd at their Lincoln division - we produce closed-die forged components for the agricultural, off-highway, marine, power generation, and mining sectors,” said Joe.
Joe’s apprenticeship there lasts four years in total - two years on the Level 2 course and the remaining two years at Level 3.
“I chose this apprenticeship because I wanted a change in career from working in the company drawing office, as I wanted a more ‘hands-on’ job role,” he said.
As with all apprenticeships, the Maintenance Engineering Apprenticeship that Joe is on is a combination of work and study and studying for Joe is something he is able to build around his working week.
“When I am not on day release for college, I study during the evenings after work and the weekends. I am also able to complete some college work during my break times at work,” he said.
And Joe, like many other learners around the country, has adapted his study and workload during this latest national lockdown.
“I have been working from home during day release, attending online classes and submitting assignments electronically,” he said.
Joe says once he finishes his apprenticeship he hopes to continue to work full time as a qualified maintenance fitter.
If you are thinking about apprenticeships, find out more on our courses and apprenticeships page here
