Jason

Engineer Apprentice

I am Jason; I have been working at Ilford Depot for over six years. I started at Ilford Depot as an Apprentice Engineer. Before I began my apprenticeship I had very little knowledge of engineering.

The apprenticeship was set out over four years. In my first year, I was full-time at Newham College. This is where I learnt the necessary skills needed in engineering, such as using milling machines, lathes and drills etc. Whilst gaining these great skills, I was also working towards my NVQ 2 and my City & Guilds Technical Certificate L2. When attending college, I got the opportunity to meet a lot of new people from different industries, giving me a good insight into other areas of engineering.

In my second and third year, I began on day release, where I did four days at work in the depot and one day at college. This is where I learnt the practical and technical skills I now use in my day to day job. This enabled me to complete my NVQ 3 and City & Guilds Technical Certificate L3. With the help and support of my production manager, training officer and fellow colleagues, I was able to complete my apprenticeship successfully a year early.

Once I had finished my apprenticeship, I was given an opportunity to work with one of the depot maintenance teams now having more responsibility and a pay rise! The teams are responsible for maintaining and repairing the trains. My role was a safety critical one and safety is always of the upmost importance. At Ilford Depot, we are trained to produce work of a high standard and in a safe manner.

This gave me the drive and ambition to further my studies and widen my knowledge. Without my apprenticeship I wouldn't have the skills to do the job I have today and would never have been able to achieve the qualifications that I now have.

My managers and colleagues at Ilford Depot have continued to give me the support and guidance needed to progress in my career.