We spoke with Justin Whiting, Advanced Technical Trainer – Skills at the National Composites Centre, about NCC’s current apprenticeship programme and how you can get involved!

1. What apprenticeships do you offer at NCC through Weston College (which industry's, which levels etc)? 

We currently offer the Level 3 Composite Technician apprenticeship which falls in the Engineering category; we also offer Level 6 Project Management apprenticeships, however, we are constantly reviewing our apprenticeship offerings so this may change in the future.

2. What do these apprenticeships entail for the learners? 

The learners are on a 3 year and 3-month programme with time spent at NCC and Weston College. At NCC apprentices will work with experienced technicians to gain the knowledge, skills and behaviours required for the apprenticeship, they will also spend time at Weston College learning about Composite materials and working towards the qualifications and their End Point Assessment (EPA). 

The learners will complete a rotation around different areas of the business and then concentrate on specific technologies in the second and third year. As an innovation organisation, the apprentices will be working on cutting edge equipment and procedures. The PM apprentice course lasts 4 years and includes day of study per week for the duration of the programme. Learners on this course will work on different projects with different project teams.

3. What do NCC look for in an apprentice? 

NCC looks for enthusiastic apprentices who want to learn not just how to do a job but why we are doing that job, we want apprentices to be inquisitive and think of ways that they can improve the processes.

4. Are there any standout stories of our apprentices at NCC? 

There are many! We have had 5 of our apprentices make the regional finals of Make UK Apprentice of the Year award, have been involved in BBC Bitesize and supported the Gatsby Foundation. Our apprentices have worked in teams on some amazing projects such as a full-scale wing demonstrator, remote controlled car and drone which have been used to help promote NCC and the apprenticeship programme.

5. How do apprentices benefit your business? 

Apprentices are a major asset to the business. Apprenticeships allow us to train people right from the start of their career in our processes, ways of working and sector expectations. They bring fresh ideas and enthusiasm into the company and inspire the next generation of engineers and project managers.

6. Do NCC take on apprentices as full-time employees after they have finished their apprenticeship? 

NCC apprentices are on a fixed term contract for the duration of their apprenticeship, they can then apply for full time roles at NCC.

7. When are NCC next looking for apprentices, and how can students apply? 

We generally start looking for our new apprentices in January/February with a view to holding interviews in April. We advertise any apprenticeship positions on our website and through Weston College.

8. What advice would you give to people who are thinking about doing an apprenticeship? 

Do it!! An apprenticeship is a great way of learning, gaining industry experience and developing professional behaviours whilst getting paid!

9. Is there anything else you would like to add? 

We firmly believe apprenticeships are a great way to start your career, our apprentices are invaluable to the company.