"I have a real interest in machinery and the practical experience you receive in engineering is incredible, whether it's in the machine workshop, the electronics lab or in the composite's lab - which is by far my preferred area as you're able to work with some really cool materials such as reinforced carbon.

I have been in the welding industry for the past 14 years and for the majority within the Gas, Oil & Petrochemical Industry and later moving into the Nuclear Power Industry. For the past 6 years I have been training British Soldiers (REME) in Welding and I have been at Weston College training students and adults at levels 1,2 and 3 for the past 18 months.

My advice for students is to be a keen learner and a team player so that you can get the most valuable experience at college. Practice makes perfect!

 I take huge pride in working for Weston College, a sentiment that is shared by many colleagues. The experience as a whole is rewarding and fulfilling in ways I never experienced in 20+ years whilst in industry. To have a positive influence on young people's lives and then see them progress and flourish into a chosen career is an inspiring thing to witness. 

HNC in Electrical Engineering (year 2) and Level 3 Apprenticeship as Support Technician (year 4)

“I was in a bit of a tough spot before applying for an apprenticeship course. I had to choose between studying and working full-time to pay bills...

Clearly, the latter took priority and I found myself stuck in job roles that didn’t provide career or personal growth past the initial training. Once I found out that working and earning a qualification simultaneously was a real possibility,

I’ve always had a strong interest in engineering, but I felt that I’d gotten as far as I could in my previous job, so I enrolled on the Production Engineering Level 3 course in order to further my career opportunities, and I’m so glad I did!

The course led me to GKN Aerospace, where I’ve completed the Level 3 and Level 4 apprenticeships and feel like I have achieved so much more than I could have without the qualification.

The course lecturers were SO supportive, and even though I’d never done anything like this previously, I never felt like I was alone or struggling.