Michael

Why did you want to come to UTCN?

I joined UCTN wanting to focus my studies to be more engineering based, so I did the Level 3 Engineering diploma. When I first looked at UCTN I knew it was the place to give me the best start into a career later on, with their work placements, and apprenticeship connections.

What did you like about UTCN?

I liked the involvement the UTCN had with future jobs, such as the live challenges from Anglian water and the Royal Navy. As well as the work experience offered to many students though out the course. One of the work experiences was with Vattenfall, this was one of the reasons I wanted to work offshore.

How did you come to Wind Turbine Technician Apprentice at RWE Renewables?

Since I started at UCTN I knew I wanted to work off shore, however I didn’t know in what field. After finding about the job and what it entailed, that’s what my sights were set on, for the end of the course.

I didn’t want an office job, but a hands-on job with a bit of extreme!

What do you do in your apprenticeship?

The apprenticeship is 3 years long, the first year learning general engineer and maintenance, the second being wind turbine maintenance and operations based. The 3rd year is working on site to become a Competent Technician and be fully sign off to work.

I’m now halfway through my second year.

What do you like about your apprenticeship?

I like the split between the training and being at site. Training with likeminded people from other sites. And the way RWE treat they’re employees is unmatched to anywhere I’ve ever worked.

Any tips for students currently studying at UTCN? 

My advice would be, to do as many of the work-based challenges that are made available, even if you are not sure that’s the path you want to take get involved.