Meet Darren

Name: Darren
Course: Level 3 Apprenticeship in Engineering

After completing a degree in his early twenties, Darren came to an Apprenticeship to give the opportunity for a slight change of career path with his current employer, SA Thermal Engineering. After proving himself in the company’s quality department, the Apprenticeship came part and parcel with the opportunity to move into a role in engineering, as it required additional mechanical skills and training.

Having successfully completed the Level 4 Apprenticeship, Darren has gone on to progress to HNC level, enjoying the ability to complete his studies one a day a week whilst learning on the job daily.

Enjoying both the working environment and study in tandem for Darren means immediate application between theory and practical in an average week. As well as being able to apply what he learns in College on the job and vice versa, that dedicated time to study provides focus and structure within the working week.

He says: “Although an Apprenticeship may take a little longer than full time study,  the opportunity is a manageable amount of work which allows you to balance education with your day job.”

As an existing employee of five years when the Apprenticeship began, Darren had the advantage of his experience and was able to take on particularly challenging projects which in the three years since, the results of have made  impacts and savings to the business in manufacturing costs.

When reflecting on his College experience, Darren says : “Some of the work I did at College such as My Level 3 Final Project was work-based so I was able to create a solution for work and have that work assessed by the College.  Achieving a Distinction* grade at Level 3 was also a highlight. Hopefully now I can progress from the HNC to HND if possible.”