I did one year in Mechanical Engineering at HETA and then 2 years in Design and Technical Support with Bradbury Group.
I chose an apprenticeship because I preferred the idea of learning whilst doing rather than sat in a classroom and I wanted to learn early on how working life would be. I also enjoyed the fact that I could earn money whilst getting qualifications that would help me for my future.
During the time that I was an apprentice, I learned valuable skills that will keep with me throughout my career. I understand more how to view the bigger picture when designing products and the different aspects that are involved. I have also learned how to conduct myself in a professional manner and how to work together with people under pressure.
I understand clearer the different roles that are needed during an engineering process and the value that each of those roles hold.
I have learned goal management and how to organise projects in order to reach what I set out to achieve.
I would without a doubt encourage other people to consider an apprenticeship. Apprenticeship's keep you on your feet, you are always busy and doing something which, in my opinion, is a much easier environment to learn in. I think a college may only be able to teach academically where as in an apprenticeship you also learn real life skills and earn money whilst doing so.
My new role is Design Engineer. I design or improve new/existing products. I model up an idea for a part using software on the computer, create the necessary drawings for the part and send it to be made on the shop floor.