Name: Justin Hart
Job title: Apprentice Engineer
Training: NVQ 3 – Mechanical Engineering/ C & G Marine Engineering
Location: Lives in Truro, works in Falmouth
From the high seas to the Palace – there’s no limit to @Apprenticeships!
I started my Apprenticeship in 2009 at Pendennis shipyard in Falmouth, Cornwall. Now in my fourth year, specialising in Engineering, I know it was the right choice for me.
After leaving school I went to college and took A-levels, not really knowing where to go. I didn’t do great, then luckily before the end of the year I applied for my Apprenticeship and got offered a place at Pendennis, along with 12 other guys. I was really happy as I knew this was a great course. The first year was a full time college year where I studied Electrics, Joinery, Welding and Fabrication plus Engineering. I got an NVQ2 in all of these. This mixed array of trades allowed me to gain insight into what I really wanted to do and what I was good at. A lot of us started out wanting to do one thing but found we really enjoyed something else, so this was great.
During the year we also attended sailing courses and spent 12 weeks working alongside different tradesmen. It was a great feeling to have paid holiday for the first time and be paid to attend a full time college course! We also had the opportunity to do our Duke of Edinburgh residential course. Helped by Pendennis we are now all achieving our Gold award and are going to be presented with the award at St James’s palace in London, something we’re all really looking forward to.
After such varied experience and training, I eventually went into the Engineering department. Over the last four years I’ve learnt a lot. I’ve built my character, learned to make decisions and how to cope with pressure; I’ve got stronger and, most importantly, I’m turning myself into a tradesman, something that I’m very proud of.
An Apprenticeship can be hard when you hear your mates’ summer holiday stories, but really you’re earning money while they are forking out huge sums of cash for university or other courses, when you are saving and coming out with shining career prospects.
Doing an Apprenticeship doesn’t mean you can’t be a graduate, I’m currently considering working my way up and studying for a HNC that the yard offers. There really are no limits with an Apprenticeship!
For more information about Apprenticeships watch this ‘How to apply for an Apprenticeship’ film, download the Av Search app to search for Apprenticeship vacancies whilst on the move, or visit apprenticeships.org.uk
