To mark National Apprenticeship Week’s #AskAnApprentice, we sat down with some of our apprentices and found out what life was like as an apprentice in the Shepley Group, and answer any questions any future apprentices may have.
“When in school, I was uncertain which career path I wanted to take. I was surrounded with family members involved in the nuclear industry, and from what I heard, I knew that this was something I had a keen interest in. I was delighted to have the opportunity to work for an engineering firm with 70 years’ experience within the industry” says Rosie Harrison, a business admin apprentice at Shepley Engineers.
“I began my journey with Shepley as a business admin apprentice in September 2019. Shepley have always been extremely supportive throughout my apprenticeship, allowing me to assist in different areas of the business and widen my knowledge of nuclear and engineering.”
“Most recently, I moved into the Bids and Proposals department as a trainee bids-coordinator. I was delighted to have been given this opportunity. I find it extremely insightful, and thoroughly enjoy being an important part of the future for the Shepley Group”
“I’ve really enjoyed my time as an apprentice at Shepley, and I would highly recommend an apprenticeship to anyone considering further education whilst also gaining practical experience in something you’re passionate about.”
Leia Reid is an apprentice welder, currently at West Cumberland Engineering;
“I left school in 2018 and I had some idea of what I wanted to do, as I took product design at GCSE. I knew I wanted to go down the engineering route, but I didn’t know exactly what I wanted to do”
“I first completed a course at Gen2, as I still wanted to further my education. The course was mechanical engineering and electrical, and I preferred the mechanical element. This led me to apply for the 2019 intake, and I gained a place with West Cumberland Engineering. I wanted an apprenticeship as I still wanted to learn and develop, but I didn’t feel sixth form was right for me.”
“I first started as a pipefitter. I enjoyed it, but I wanted to see what else there was to offer, so I asked if I could try welding. I really enjoyed this and knew this was what I wanted to do straight away. I enjoyed learning the different processes hands-on, whilst also benefitting from Gen2’s education materials.”
Ryan Christie, Shepley Engineers Project Manager is in charge of managing the development and progress of apprentices;
“Apprentices are an integral part of our organisation, and we are incredibly proud to be able to employ local, young people who aim to become highly skilled in their chosen profession” says Ryan
“Through close relationships with local training organisations, the Shepley Group offer an excellent apprenticeship scheme with further opportunity for progression.”
We are proud of our apprenticeship programme and the development routes available throughout the Company for those with desire to progress and consistently challenge themselves. Our commitment and support of apprentices is backed up and clearly demonstrable by the fact that our Chairman, Managing Director and most of our Board and senior managers are from apprentice backgrounds, proving that it really is possible for them to progress all the way.
To learn more about how you can kickstart your career with the Shepley Group, click here
