Connor

Why did you come to UTCN?

Well, I knew I wanted to do Engineering from a young age. I started looking for a course that would start me off with the basics of a bit of everything as well as being able to apply it to real life situations. UTCN was the best option for me to be able to do this

What did you like about UTCN?

I loved UTCN for the depth that the tutors were able to go into each subject thanks to their experience prior to being tutors. The Level 3 course I was on also enabled me to apply my knowledge from the lessons into real life situations through work experience.

Why did you apply to be an Engineering Technician Apprentice at PPI Engineering?

I applied for my apprenticeship for a number of reasons. The first being I had done work experience with PPI Engineering for the two years I was at UTCN. They were a great help with my education, and have supported me in any way they can. Along with this, I wanted to be able to continue to learn while being able to apply my education to the jobs I had been doing at work. An apprenticeship was the best way to do this.

What do you do in your Apprenticeship? What do you like about it?

In my apprenticeship, I am covering the basics of engineering: hand fitting, CAD, panel wiring and PLC Programming, fluid power control, and much more besides. Alongside this is an NVQ. This is more theory based and is more related to the tasks I perform at work. While at work, I am applying the knowledge I learn at college to the jobs I do, and develop my skills further as I go.

What advice would you give current UTCN students?

There is one thing that will help you go far: have the right attitude to learning and to performing tasks at your workplace. A lot of people believe that they are not academically bright and that means that they will not go far. That is not the case. If you have the right attitude then you are more than capable of learning anything that you like. People are more likely to help you if you show that you want to learn and develop your skills if you show that you are genuinely interested in what you are doing. It may take longer than others to get to the same place, but you are more than capable of doing well of you have the dedication.