Michael Turmeau – Case Study
Age: 19
Company: Luxfer MEL Technologies
Apprenticeship: Level 3 Maintenance and Operations Engineering Technician Standard
What do you enjoy most about your work?
I most enjoy the variety of jobs I experience at work. I rarely find myself doing the same jobs day after day.
What project(s) are you working on at the moment?
I have just finished installing and commissioning a new chemical delivery system for the on-site water treatment plant.
What does a typical day at work involve?
A typical day for me would involve getting up at around 5am. Arriving at work for around 5.40am ready to start work at 6am. I frequently find myself fault finding on mechanical and electrical systems, this is alongside my other duties such as calibrations and planned maintenance jobs i.e. greasing moving parts.
What do you see as the biggest challenges in your job?
The biggest challenge is working with a varied range of equipment from ageing plant systems to state of the art technology.
What encouraged you to do an Apprenticeship?
I decided to go to Sixth Form because it was what all my friends were doing at the time. After studying for a year, I realised that I really wasn’t enjoying it and that wasn’t the route I should take. I then started looking around for alternatives.
What did you do prior to your Apprenticeship?
Prior to starting my apprenticeship, I was undertaking Maths, Physics and Biology at AS Level.
What are the benefits?
The benefits are earning a salary while receiving classroom based and on the job training. It offers the best of both worlds and has enabled me to buy things which I wouldn’t be able to if I was at University.
What are your future plans?
Once I’ve completed my Level 3 Apprenticeship, I would like to complete my HNC and HND in engineering. I am also hoping to do a Degree in the future.
What do you enjoy doing outside work?
Outside of work I enjoy maintaining my car, seeing my friends and socialising.