James Finch is a recently graduated 4th year Mechanical Apprentice. He took up his position as Mechanical Engineer at Wienerberger's new Wall and Facade Support Centre in Droitwich, in early August. Below he tells us how he got there.
Why did you decide to do an apprenticeship?
For me, the only way forward was always an apprenticeship. It’s the best of both worlds; you get to learn the theory and then go on to apply it through hands-on experience, and you get paid!
At the end of the four years I have gained a lot of knowledge and practical application. Friends, who opted for university or college at the same time have all the theory, little experience and a loan to pay off, so I feel very fortunate.
When I first left school, I didn’t manage to gain an apprenticeship right away, so I went to college and did a Level 3 Diploma in Engineering. After a year I applied for an apprenticeship through The Hereford and Worcester Group Training Association (HWGTA). This is where companies select form a pool of candidates and Wienerberger UK & Ireland selected me. There was one apprenticeship and seven contenders. After a two-stage process and a factory tour, I was chosen. I was delighted and the feedback I got, for anyone else thinking about it, was I asked questions on the tour showing enthusiasm and interest. I still do ask a lot of questions!
How has it been?
I was originally based at Hartlebury. However, after a short while there were some maintenance issues, so I was sent to Waresley where I spent the rest of my apprenticeship. It was a tough atmosphere to start off with and when tackling a problem for the first time could be a bit scary, but there was always experienced help and support, so whilst you got to feel the pressure of the job, you knew you were never on your own.
It can be frustrating at times too, but you need to learn patience as an apprentice and it’s all good experience for setting you up in life as well as work.
Looking back, at the time, I don’t think I always appreciated how valuable the experience I was gaining actually was, but I certainly do now. We recently had external trainers in to collect some motors and gear boxes and they were given a tour of the site. They were surprised and impressed by how hands-on our apprentices get. I’m very thankful to Wienerberger for the training and the skills I have now.
Why this role?
As I was finishing my apprenticeship, I saw an advert for an Engineering role in our Droitwich Wall and Facade Centre and it really appealed. Because it’s a new purpose-built facility it is needing kitted out from scratch so there were opportunities to get involved in maintenance on machines, but also structural works and installations too.
I’m gaining experience in project management and collaborating with contractors, getting involved in the development plans, learning new communication skills, and being exposed to expert opinions and views.
As the machines are yet to be installed, I am visiting other sites to learn maintenance on their machines in readiness, so I’m also experiencing how other sites are run, as they are all very individual.
It’s a very collaborative environment, we all know each other and work well together.
What does the future hold?
I didn’t choose the construction industry or Wienerberger they chose me and I’m glad, as I can’t see myself anywhere else. I still have a lot to learn, so I want to remain here for the foreseeable future and gain more knowledge and when the time is right and if the opportunity arises, I’d like to have a managerial role.
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