To mark National Apprenticeship Week we’ve been finding out what Floyd Rayner, an apprentice at a national defence company, has been up to.
What is your apprenticeship?
I’m doing a level 6 degree apprenticeship in nuclear mechanical engineering.
Why you have chosen this?Â
I chose the apprenticeship route because it offered me the best method of gaining a degree and practical work experience simultaneously. I chose this specific apprenticeship as I knew I wanted to go into the nuclear sector due to the unique challenges it poses and the culture of designing to exceptional standards, and an apprenticeship here provided an ideal opportunity to do so.
What do you hope to do upon completing this apprenticeship?
I hope to out-turn into a permanent role as a project engineer, where I can use the skills and knowledge I’ve gained in the apprenticeship process to solve truly unique engineering problems.
Where are you based, and where do you study?
I’m based in Bridgwater to study at the National College for Nuclear.
What is a typical day like for you?
Most days I’m occupied either with lectures from nuclear industry professionals on various disciplines of engineering or coursework projects, which usually involve some form of design process and accompanying justifications.
Which subjects did you study and how do they link to your apprenticeship?
I studied BTEC engineering and A-level product design, computer science and core maths. I frequently use the essential engineering design principles that these subjects taught me whenever I’m designing or simulating a solution.
How did UTC support you when you were applying?
UTC Oxfordshire did a lot to help me with the application process – the distinction of UTC’s STEM and industry-focused ethos meant that degree apprenticeships were presented as a good alternative to university, which isn’t true of many colleges. An existing apprentice also presented a talk to my sixth form on the application process, which help greatly and was organised by UTC.
How was the interview process and how did you prepare?Â
The interview process was fascinating to me, as I’d never applied for such a position before and was entirely new to the process. I liked that my individual ability and my teamworking ability were both tested equally, which I believe gave the assessors a much stronger indication of whether I was suited to the role. I think that the interviewers valued my honesty, willingness to try and enthusiasm for everyone in my group to be heard equally. Several tricky questions were asked to work out the strength of my baseline understanding of nuclear safety culture and approach to problem solving.
How many apprenticeship positions did you apply for?
I applied for around 5-7, but was most interested in this one. It was clear to me from the start that it was a good choice as they replied to me with an offer several months before the others.
Was there anything about your UTC experience that you think might have put you ahead of the competition in the interviewing process?
I consider myself exceedingly fortunate to have studied at UTC Oxfordshire – the teachers excelled at bringing the best out of students in a way I’d never seen before, and the facilities available made this possible from a practical standpoint too. UTC’s employer-led projects also provided me with a brilliant insight into what being a project engineer is like, especially the longer small-team practical projects that saw a design from conceptualisation to presentation, which has made adjusting to the apprenticeship substantially easier.
What would your advice be to potential apprentices about apprenticeships?
Simply to give it your best! The application process can seem daunting, but being in an apprenticeship has provided me with the best of both worlds and truthfully more. It is a lot of work, but too is highly rewarding in a respect that no other pathway is; if you’re considering vocational qualifications, further education or university, you should probably be considering apprenticeships too.
Would you recommend the UTC to other students and why?
Absolutely! I say wholeheartedly that my time at UTC was the best of my life. UTC Oxfordshire gave me a chance to become an engineer as I’d always aimed to, while also showing me that there are other like-minded students with the same goals. I found myself making my strongest friendships, working on projects the likes of which I’d have only dreamed of before and learning skills I’d have otherwise struggled for years to acquire through any other route. If you’ve an interest in STEM, UTC is the best place to be.
How have you developed as a person since you started your apprenticeship?
I’ve gained a lot of independence and confidence since starting the apprenticeship. I found that the changes to my lifestyle made it crucial to develop an extent of accountability, especially while working in the nuclear sector.
What is the best thing about an apprenticeship?
Education and experience! While most leave education with no work experience to talk of, an apprenticeship teaches you both the required knowledge for your qualification but also provides relevant working experience in the industry, meaning that employment is substantially less challenging.