R J is taking her apprenticeship with GT Bunning & Sons Ltd, attending college one day per week. She chose to study an apprenticeship as it was an easier way to get into the industry, specialising in engineering.

R J’s apprenticeship combines theory with practical training in areas such as sheet metal fabrication, hand fitting, maintenance and welding. The theory involves design, maths, mechanical principles and materials.

She said, “With an apprenticeship, you gain hands-on experience by getting involved with workplace projects and orders. You start at square one and learn throughout the years. College is a different scene from the workplace, and the apprenticeship is not all exam based, with practical work to be completed. Another bonus is that you get paid to do your job and go to college, as well as not having to worry about student debt.”

R J plans to continue working at GT Bunning and Sons, developing her welding skills and learning innovative solutions to address any problems within manufacturing.