Embarking on an apprenticeship can be an exciting, challenging adventure, as it combines hands-on learning with theoretical education to prepare individuals for a rewarding career. At the SCE Academy, apprentices are guided through an immersive and diverse training process, gaining valuable skills that shape their professional future. In this blog post, we’ll share the story of one of our recent graduates, Jay, who completed an Advanced Mechatronic Maintenance BTEC Level 3 apprenticeship.
The Beginning: Family Influence and a New Career Path
Jay’s journey began in 2020 when he took the leap into the engineering world through Street Cranexpress. He initially found out about the apprenticeship through a family member who asked if he would be interested in joining Street Cranexpress and undertaking an engineering apprenticeship.
From there on, the first part of the apprenticeship involved six months in a workshop at AMRC in Rotherham, South Yorkshire, where he learned basic bench work skills. This provided the foundation for his apprenticeship, which then progressed into more specialised training within the overhead crane industry.
Overcoming Challenges: Gaining Knowledge and Building Confidence
Like many apprentices, the early stages of training posed challenges. However, the more Jay worked through the apprenticeship, the easier the learning became. Gaining new skills and absorbing technical knowledge helped him overcome initial obstacles. As Jay explains, “The further through the apprenticeship I got, the easier it got as I picked up new skills and more knowledge”.
A Strong Support System: Mentorship at Its Best
One of the most notable aspects of the apprenticeship was the support he received from his fully qualified engineer mentor, Leon. Describing Leon as highly knowledgeable in all areas of engineering, our graduate explained how hands-on experience was key to his development. “He gave me a lot of hands-on experience which helped massively when out on the job”. Understanding the practical side of tasks, beyond method statements, was instrumental in building confidence and competence in the field.
Facing the Tough Days: Long Hours, Big Responsibilities, and Achievements
Any apprenticeship comes with its fair share of long days and tight deadlines, and this journey was no exception. Some tasks required the completion of work within a single day, which could be stressful. Yet, this challenge turned into a rewarding experience. “Once complete, you felt satisfied that the job was done right, and the customer would be happy,” our graduate explained. It was this sense of fulfilment that motivated him through the tougher days.
Among the many milestones achieved during Jay’s apprenticeship, winning “Apprentice of the Year” in 2022 stands out as a highlight. This recognition was a testament to his hard work, dedication, and passion for the field.
Balancing Theory and Practice: The Power of Hands-On Learning
Throughout the apprenticeship, there was a mix of theoretical learning at college and practical, hands-on experience on the job. For our graduate, the balance leaned heavily toward the hands-on work. “Personally, I prefer the hands-on work a lot more than the theoretical side of things at college,” he shared. While the theoretical aspects were important for understanding engineering concepts like drawing interpretations, real-world tasks offered the most valuable learning experience. Managing the workload from both on-site duties and academic work was challenging, but with time, he found a rhythm and successfully balanced the demands.
Advice for Future Apprentices: “Get Stuck In”
When asked what advice Jay would give to anyone starting an apprenticeship in the field, our graduate had straightforward advice: “Ask questions. Get stuck in. Show interest. Show good punctuality.” This emphasises the importance of being proactive, curious, and engaged from day one.
Looking Ahead: Gaining Further Experience
Now that the apprenticeship is complete, our graduate’s next steps involve continuing to expand his knowledge in areas like inverters and PLCs (Programmable Logic Controllers).
Conclusion: A Bright Future in Engineering
Four years of hard work and studying has paid off for Jay, who is now a fully-fledged Street Cranexpress Service Engineer.
The journey at Street Cranexpress SCE Academy not only equipped him with technical expertise but also fostered key soft skills like communication and problem-solving. The apprenticeship program’s hands-on approach, coupled with strong mentorship and practical experience, provided a strong foundation for success. With a promising future ahead and a clear passion for engineering, this graduate’s journey serves as a testament to the value of apprenticeships and the rewarding career opportunities they can offer.
Our most recent SCE Academy graduates, Deacon and Jay.
If you’re inspired by this story and you’re interested in becoming a Street Cranexpress service engineer, enter in your details below and we’ll let you know as soon as the next apprenticeship spaces become available.