Level 3 Technical Apprenticeships

A Loughborough Apprenticeship: Tom Partington and Matt Biddulph

Our apprenticeship formally started on 17^th August 2015, following a successful and highly competitive interview process in mid-July. We worked under the guidance of our respective teams, in both mechanical and electrical disciplines. This was supplemented by academic studies, one day a week, at Loughborough College. Initially, we were fast-tracked through a PEO (Performing Engineering Operations) course, learning the basics of manual machining and general workshop practices. Over the three-year period, it was anticipated that we would achieve a BTEC L3 in Engineering, and an NVQ L3 in our respective disciplines.

Beyond the completion of the apprenticeship qualifications, we were given the opportunity to advance our studies further while we developed our skillset within the workplace, through experience and autonomy on the job. Attending at Loughborough College once again, we enrolled on our respective HNC L4 courses and proceeded to complete them through similar day release. Within work, there was ample opportunity to sample and learn new techniques throughout the Wolfson School, including areas which we would not otherwise be tasked to work in.

These opportunities, partnered with our self-motivation have allowed us both to amass a vast wealth of knowledge, and become broad and multi disciplined. The range of opportunity and the willingness of colleagues and mentors to help and assist, have allowed Loughborough University to deliver an outstanding and varied apprenticeship course that goes beyond the typical, industrial equivalent.

Upon successful completion of our training, we both progressed into our full-time technician roles within our respective workshops. In these areas, we provide a variety of services to our student and research clientele. This is a rewarding and dynamic role that allows us to work on a wide range of projects, that otherwise wouldn’t be possible in a narrow-fielded industrial setting. This allows us to see the work through from start to finish, whilst being heavily involved at all stages of the process.

Working in this environment continually allows us to recognise the importance of the technician’s role in Higher Education, and how enjoyable it can be.