It’s National Apprenticeship Week 2021 – an opportunity to share inspirational stories, shine a spotlight on talented individuals, and celebrate the benefits of learning on the job.
Several members of the Karmelle team started-out as apprentices, and our youngest recruit, Tyrone, is following in their footsteps. Now over a year into an engineering apprenticeship, Tyrone attributes his newfound confidence to time spent in the Karmelle machine shop, where he helps to manufacture parts for our filling, capping and labelling equipment. And who better to tell us more about the realities of an apprenticeship than the man himself?
Hi Tyrone. Could you introduce yourself?
I’m Tyrone and I’m 18. I’ve been working as a machinist apprentice at karmelle for over a year now. In my free time, I mainly like to play football or Xbox.
Why did you decide to undertake an apprenticeship?
I decided to do an apprenticeship because I wanted to get straight into work and to learn as I go along.
And what drew you to engineering?
I chose engineering because I like to be hands-on. I don’t like sitting down or doing the same thing – I like to constantly keep my mind going, before I lose interest! Engineering has always interested me because no matter what, everything is engineered.
What does an average day look like for you?
On an ordinary day I am generally on the manual lathes, machining parts, which is my main role. I enjoy it because not many parts are the same and you get an understanding of what you are making the more you machine, as well as learning new stuff. I also attend college in addition to this, so I can get my qualifications.
You mention learning new skills. Can you tell us more about this?
I have learnt many things in my time at Karmelle, from different types of materials, to new turning tools, and tips and tricks to make it easier. In fact a lot of things I’ve learned about engineering have come from my time at Karmelle.
And what about the future?
My goals for the future are just to become better at what I do and eventually get on to the CNC machines and learn how to programme properly. And make sure I get through my qualifications!
If, like Tyrone, you’re looking for a varied and hands-on engineering role, you can learn more about our latest vacancies here!