DO you think you have what it takes to become an engineering apprentice at the Atomic Weapons Establishment (AWE)?

During February, BCoT is recruiting apprentices on behalf of prestigious local employer AWE. Its nationally recognised Skills Academy will see apprentices work on site to achieve an NVQ qualifi-cation combined with day release to BCoT to gain a Level 3 technical certificate.

Judith Moule, head of apprenticeships at BCoT, is delighted to be able to offer 45 engineering apprenticeship opportunities.

She said: “The AWE apprenticeships are an excellent chance to gain real workplace experience in the engineering industry while gaining a work-based qualification, and earning at the same time.

“At the end of their training, the apprentices will be fully qualified engineers with highly successful and well paid careers ahead of them.”

To find out what an apprenticeship at AWE is really like, BCoT interviewed two current apprentices.

Here are their stories: Matt Grimston, 17, attended Aldworth School, and said: “I’ve always been interested in electronics and the AWE apprenticeships really appealed to me.

“I did lots of research into the role and spoke to people who were already there so when I went for my interview I felt very prepared. It must have worked as I was offered the job!

“I love the variety of the role and learning lots of new skills. All our projects are set by line managers and they also mark our work. They are great mentors.

“I enjoy coming to college once a week – it feels good to be gaining qualifications while working, and both BCoT and AWE are really supportive of my studies.

“I think the hardest challenge about doing an apprenticeship is the huge change from school to work. You are suddenly not a school pupil anymore but an adult in a real-life working environment and this takes a little time to adjust to.

“It’s all positive though – I wouldn’t change it for the world. You quickly adapt and you just want to prove you are the right person for the job.

“I think the best thing about being an apprentice at AWE is the hands-on work, the challenge of learning so many new things, and making new friends.

“They really look after you at AWE, it feels like they are setting you up for a great career, as long as you work hard and are committed.

“They are very focused on getting you to be the best you can – it’s a very positive environment to work in.

“I would recommend the apprenticeship route. You get real-life, hands-on work experience, formal qualifications and you are paid at the same time. It really has been the best decision I could have made.”

Dani Smithers, 16, went to The Hurst School.

She said: “I chose the apprenticeship route at AWE as I liked the idea of getting hands-on industry training and gaining qualifications at the same time.

“I’ve been interested in engineering since school and knew that AWE were really supportive of women entering the industry.

“The best thing about my apprenticeship is learning new skills in a practical environment.

“You are constantly challenged, and have to take responsibility for your own work. I definitely feel like I’m contributing to the success of AWE in the work that I do and this gives me a great sense of achievement.

“I enjoy going to BCoT once a week – it’s a great opportunity to learn the theory behind the industry.

“It also ensures that I’m gaining the qualifications and knowledge to work for an establishment which expects the most from its employees.

“I definitely take what I learn in the classroom and use it to improve the work that I produce at AWE.

“I’m loving my apprenticeship – it is much better than I ever expected and I’m so glad I chose this route. The responsibility I am given and the sense of pride I get from working here is great.”

If Matt and Dani’s stories have inspired you to apply, then please send your CV and a covering letter to Judith.moule@bcot.ac.uk or call 01256 306379/306451 for more information.

The closing date for applications is February 26.