National Apprenticeship Week: Case Study with Peterborough Regional College

I had two options to continue my studies after completing my level two; I could either go into full time education again or, I could continue learning by means of an apprenticeship. Personally, it felt like a no brainer to choose the apprenticeship pathway, learning side by side with the engineers that have an incredible amount of experience.

Remark Group stood out to me as a company that has a good diversity of work, I thought this would be great to expand my knowledge and understanding within the industry even further. Remark Group has a great ethos for the apprenticeship programme and facilitate to all our needs to help us progress.

Not only have I learnt the obvious which coincides within the course framework, through the apprenticeship programme you also gain valuable life skills. This could be as simple as knowing how to interact with clients and how to portray the company’s image correctly, important stuff for retaining work.

The biggest bit of advice is ASK QUESTIONS! There really is no such thing as a stupid question, you are here to learn and by asking senior engineers is by far the best way to expand your knowledge. It also shows to your employer that you are keen to learn and that their investment into you was the right choice.

Without a doubt. There is no better way to learn in my opinion, there are some things that can't be taught in a classroom, it's incredible to see your own personal growth, two major support networks one being the college itself and of course your employer. I will say do your research into the companies you are interested in and make sure it is the right one for you.

Continue my studies! I believe you never stop learning and that's the best way to be, there is always room for improvement.

One of our project managers comments on Harry and his time as an apprentice:

"Harry has had a very solid closure of his NVQ works.  The confidence from the college tutors is so high that they are pre-preparing paperwork as time allows in readiness for his completion (once formally assessed). Harry has a very calm demeanour which brings an air of confidence and assuredness around his work process.  Coupling this with a diligence for his work and a keen eye for H&S matters this makes Harry an excellent engineer."