Michael May – Case Study
Age: 23
Company: Lucchini Unipart Rail Ltd.
Apprenticeship: Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship in Engineering Manufacture (Technical Support)
What do you enjoy most about your work?
My role as a Non-Destructive Testing (NDT) technician is great as my company have me doing different jobs day in day out meaning each day is different and that is what I have always wanted in a career.
What project(s) are you working on at the moment?
I am currently in the process of helping create a procedure for testing a complex part from a train’s gearbox for any defects. This involves me using my knowledge and qualifications in NDT to contribute and give advice where needed.
What does a typical day at work involve?
Early start, in work at 6 and see what work is available for me to do in the main area of the factory. After 8am and the office staff are in I may be contacted to help them with a project such as the one stated above, or I may just be needed to provide some assistance in another area of the factory.
What do you see as the biggest challenges in your job?
The biggest challenge in NDT is by far being completely sure that there is nothing wrong with the part that you have effectively just signed off as safe to use. These parts that I am testing are to be used on trains, some of which will be passenger trains, so it is imperative that I do my job correctly and follow all procedures in place.
What encouraged you to do an Apprenticeship?
I chose an apprenticeship purely because I did not think I needed university. I like using my knowledge to help wherever I can but I didn’t want to be in an office based role. I wanted to get stuck in and learn the tricks of the trade in the engineering world and contribute in a practical way. It seems I chose the right path as my job uses both my practical and mental abilities.
What did you do prior to your Apprenticeship?
I spent my school years at Knutsford Academy and then went on to also finish my A-levels there also. I loved every minute of school, learning new things and building that knowledge is something I will never regret even if I do not need to use it all in my career. After my A-Levels I went straight into my apprenticeship which included a BTEC Level 3 Diploma in Engineering.
What are the benefits?
The main benefits that come to mind are that of learning the job, walking into the shopfloor of a factory straight out of school is always going to be difficult for anyone, but doing the job first-hand will always grant more experience and skills than studying it from a book. Another good thing is that by learning through a company, if you perform well and make sure to keep up to date on the apprenticeship’s work, you are pretty much guaranteed a job on completion.
Are you doing any further studies?
After completing my Level 3 BTEC Diploma in Engineering, my company thought it would be beneficial to put me forward for a HNC in general engineering which I passed well. Currently I have been put forward for another course, this one is a distance learning course with the University of Northampton which is the equivalent of a foundation degree. I did not expect to be put this far through education from an apprenticeship, but these kinds of things are possible if you take that path.
What are your future plans?
Currently my focus is on my university course, but in terms of a career path, working abroad as a technical advisor will be a decent target to work towards.
What do you enjoy doing outside work?
I’m an avid gamer, I really enjoy playing games that offer a challenge, no matter how frustrating they can get the relief when you finally win is a great feeling. Aside from that, exercise in general is a hobby of mine; walking, jogging, cycling is all great for a sunny day. I’ve also taken up some sports like rugby and badminton, a bit of contrast but I enjoy both.