Changing lives through … traineeships
I wouldn’t be where I am today without my traineeship.
I completed a six-week traineeship with GKN – one of the biggest engineering companies in Bristol.
This traineeship has really changed my life. Before this I only had experience in a completely different trade. I was bouncing from employer to employer, but I wanted to get involved with a company where I could build a career. I was hoping that the traineeship would be a foot in the door, and two years on, that has certainly proved to be the case. I am currently in the second year of an apprenticeship with GKN; something that never would have happened without my traineeship.
My traineeship provided me with the relevant qualifications – as well as skills – which improved my chances of gaining employment. I learnt trade skills, such as aeronautical fitting and fabricating, as well as building on my functional skills. But as useful as these skills were, the main benefits I have taken from my traineeship are personal development and growth in confidence.
The highlight of the traineeship for me was seeing the hard work pay off. The fact that I achieved my goal of gaining full-time employment – and with GKN – has made it very worthwhile.
I am currently about half way through my apprenticeship. It has opened up so many opportunities that I wouldn’t have gained before my traineeship. I get to go into work and see these massive planes being built, and it honestly blows my mind! I really enjoy my job.
If you are considering a traineeship, I couldn’t recommend it any higher. It is an amazing opportunity. You can get your foot in the door at an amazing business, even without having the relevant qualifications. It can be demoralising if you don’t make it through the initial apprenticeship selection process, but if your heart is set on that company or industry, a traineeship is the best way forward.
If you’re an employer reading this, I highly recommend that you give someone a chance through a traineeship. It is a low risk way of screening potential apprentices, and you can find the perfect candidate after meeting them face to face, rather than just reading their CV.
Lewis Broom, GKN apprentice.
Click here to find out more about traineeships.
