Thomas Anslow – Case Study
Employer: Luxfer MEL Technologies
Job Title: Apprentice Multi Skilled Engineer
Apprenticeship: Level 3 Maintenance & Operations Engineering Technician Standard
Why did you decide to follow the route of an Apprentice Engineer?
Even from a young age, I have always had a keen interest in how machines work so a job in engineering was always going to be something for me to strive towards. I chose to do an Apprenticeship because I consider myself to be a hands-on learner and the idea of getting valuable work experience while learning really stood out to me.
What does a typical day at work involve for you?
For me, no two days are ever the same at work. One day I could be building a new panel for an old area of the plant, another day I could be fitting a new seal for a high pressure storage vessel. While my job can sometimes be stressful, it also feels very rewarding and I feel like I am learning something new every day.
What do you enjoy most about your work?
I enjoy having lots of varied jobs as I am able to develop a range of skills both mechanically and electrically. I also enjoy having a challenge as it inspires me to consider multiple ways to tackle a problem and helps me to change my mind set to find the best solution to the task I have been given.
How did your STEGTA Training Officer and Employer support you throughout your Apprenticeship?
My mentor at work has made sure that I feel comfortable at work and that I am safe at all times while working. He always checks my work when I am finished to make sure that it is of high quality. If I am ever unsure about what I am meant to be doing, I can always go and ask my mentor questions. My STEGTA Training Officer, Andrea, has made sure that I understand what goals I need to achieve before the end of my Apprenticeship and has been checking up on me every month to make sure that I am on track to complete my work on time.
Do you hope to progress to any further training/higher education?
In the future I hope to specialise in instrumentation and control systems. I would like to complete a HNC and HND and then eventually move on to get a Degree. If possible, I would also like to become a chartered engineer in the distant future.
What would you say to someone considering a career in this industry?
In my opinion, the best thing to do in a practical line of work like engineering is to get hands on experience as soon as possible and an Apprenticeship is one of the best ways to do this.