We would like to Congratulate James Stretton who is employed by Saica Paper UK Limited in Manchester, as he has been awarded a STEGTA Excellence Award for Outstanding Performance in Process Engineering.
We asked James how he felt about winning the award.
“I am delighted to have received an award for the work I have done towards my Apprenticeship. I am grateful that I get to work and study towards something that I genuinely enjoy. I first chose to pursue a career in engineering because ever since I was a kid, I’ve always been interested in how things work. I love how every day is different and all of it requires creative and logical thinking to solve real problems.
The help that I receive from Saica and Andrea, my STEGTA Training Officer is unreal. I’m lucky to be working amongst such knowledgeable, supportive people who can answer any questions I have, and go out of their way to help me to learn everything I need in order to complete my Apprenticeship.
After completing my level 2 in chemical process ops, I am looking forward to moving onto my level 3. I don’t have any other current plans for further education but I definitely wouldn’t rule anything out. It would be nice to one day complete a degree level course”.
James’s Training Officer – Andrea Roberts commented:
“Jamie is in his second year of a Level 2 Apprenticeship in Process Industries Operations, and is progressing very well with this. He has a proactive attitude towards his training and is eager to learn new skills.
In addition to the requirements of his Process Ops training, within the first six months of starting his apprenticeship he had attended the Stegta Training Centre and completed a full Level 2 Diploma in Performing Engineering Operations.
This consisted of Hand Fitting, Electrical and CAD training. Also, during this time Jamie spent some time with Dave Harrison who gave him some familiarisation training on the lathes, as Jamie had mentioned that it looked interesting and was keen to learn more about it. The other instructors at STC have commented how they have enjoyed teaching Jamie in the workshop.
Jamie has recently returned from Germany where he attended the first session of an industrial training programme at Papierzentrum, learning how paper is manufactured. He has found this a valuable addition to his apprenticeship and enjoyed his two weeks there. He will return there for another three more two-week sessions during the course of this year, and will be completed before the end of his apprenticeship.
At work, Jamie has been getting some glowing feedback from his peers. They have commented on how polite, mature and professional Jamie is when at work. He listens well and makes efficient use of his study time. He is on track with his technical certificate as well as can be after some issues with the college delivery. Even so, this has not deterred Jamie from getting on with his studies and he continues to make progress in all areas.
I feel that Jamie has an amazing attitude towards his apprenticeship and should be recognised for his achievements so far. He is an example to other apprentices, and demonstrates how much you can achieve when you put your mind to it”.