Celebrating Andy Clayton apprenticeship
Today marks the start of National Apprenticeship Week.
Throughout the week we'll be celebrating our incredible people who are helping to build the future and sharing insights on what an apprenticeship is like at Exyte Hargreaves. We caught up with Andy Clayton, who shares his experience of completing an apprenticeship in Fabrication and Welding with us, how it was valuable and has helped him to achieve his career aspirations.
What attracted you to Exyte Hargreaves apprenticeship scheme?
Before I applied to join the Exyte Hargreaves apprenticeship scheme, I completed a week of work experience with the company. During this week I spent time in different areas of the business and was able to get an understanding of the company. I enjoyed my week of work experience and after receiving all the information about the apprenticeship scheme I decided to apply for it.
What apprenticeship course did you complete?
I completed my apprenticeship in Fabrication and Welding as well as a Level 3 BTEC in Mechanical Engineering.
Where there any challenges you have had overcome during your apprenticeship?
It took time and persistence to learn the new skills and obtain the knowledge required to adequately fulfill my role as a skilled worker once I had completed my apprenticeship.
What has been the most valuable part of your apprenticeship?
Completing my apprenticeship has allowed me to learn many new skills, as well as gain a lot of knowledge. I also received the highest grade in my level 3 BTEC in mechanical engineering.
What is involved in your role?
My role involves reading and interpreting engineering drawings, I then use the information to manufacture many different products to the requirements of the drawings I receive. The manufacturing I am involved with mostly consists of sheet metal work, structural steel work and MAGs and TIG welding.
What projects have you worked on?
During my time at Exyte Hargreaves I have been involved in many different projects, including: Mensa, Terminal 2, Manchester airport, and Chernobyl Safe Containment Arch; as well as several others inbetween. What I most enjoyed about working on these projects was being part of a competent team as we worked together to create a product that would have a significant impact on a global scale.
What are your career aspirations and how has the apprenticeship scheme helped you to achieve them?
I believe that my apprenticeship is only the start of my career and I hope to be able to use it as a base to propel myself further in my career. Now that I have completed my apprenticeship, I would like to continue to further my skills and knowledge by completing a HNC and HND in engineering.
