Apprentice Spotlight: Jack Chapman, GloucestershireLive Apprenticeship Awards 2020 Finalist

Celebrating outstanding apprentices at Gloucestershire College

The winners of the GloucestershireLive Apprenticeship Awards 2020 are soon to be announced during a virtual awards ceremony on Thursday 19th November 2020. Gloucestershire College is proud to share the achievements of our outstanding apprentices, with six finalists in the awards this year. We are delighted to shine a spotlight on our finalists to celebrate their incredible achievements and inspire others to pursue an apprenticeship. Congratulations to all our finalists, we have our fingers crossed for you on the big night!

Jack Chapman, Embedded Electronics Engineering Degree Apprentice at Renishaw

What made you choose to do an apprenticeship?

I always enjoyed the more practical and applied parts of my teaching at school. A degree apprenticeship offered me the opportunity to pursue a degree whilst also learning through applied, on the job training.

What was the application process like for your apprenticeship?

I was searching for electronics-based degree apprenticeships and Renishaw was one of the results. I found the application page for the apprenticeship scheme and submitted a written application with my CV and answered a few online questions. After that, I was asked to come in for an in-person interview and applicant day. On that day, I completed a maths test, was interviewed and took part in a group challenge. I heard back that same day about the success of my application and was offered a place on the scheme.

Tell us a bit about your job role as an apprentice.

Currently, I am writing embedded software for a new generation of Renishaw products, working in a large multi-disciplinary team, collaborating on implementing new functionality and fixing bugs. I have also had placements in other parts of the business working on other products, looking at embedded software, electronics and even briefly at marketing.

What is your favourite thing about the apprenticeship?

For me, the practical exposure and experience provided by my apprenticeship have been extremely enjoyable. Knowing that I am working on real products, released or soon to be released, motivates me to work effectively. I also learn a great deal from the experienced engineers that I am working with.

What are your plans for when you finish your apprenticeship?

Upon completing my apprenticeship, I am intending to apply for chartership (CEng) with the Institute of Engineering and Technology (IET). In the future, I am also considering continuing my education by pursuing a master’s degree, possibly even through an apprenticeship.

Would you recommend doing an apprenticeship?

I have enjoyed my apprenticeship so far and would recommend an apprenticeship to someone looking for an alternative to the more traditional academic route of University. I think the practical exposure that an apprenticeship provides is invaluable.

Congratulations Jack, from everyone at Gloucestershire College! Best of luck for the awards.

Gloucestershire College Apprentice Finalists in the GloucestershireLive Apprenticeship Awards 2020

• Carl Eustace, HR Apprentice at Superdry Plc in the Business, Administrative & Financial Services category
• Ella Russell, Business Administration Apprentice at Tewkesbury School in the Business, Administrative & Financial Services category
• Jack Chapman, Engineering Apprentice at Renishaw in the Engineering, Manufacturing, Energy & Electrical category
• Ellie Martin, Business Administration Apprentice at Pittville School in the Health, Wellbeing, Care & Education category
• Imogen Collins, Dental Nursing Apprentice at myFACE Dentistry and Facial Aesthetics in the Health, Wellbeing, Care & Education category
• Shannon Phillips, Customer Service apprentice at Truly Tailored Recruitment in the Hospitality, Travel & Customer Service category

Gloucestershire College is a proud finalist for Gloucestershire's Apprenticeship Training Provider of the Year 2020

Director of Apprenticeships and Employer Training, Julie Tegg, said: “We are delighted to be named a finalist in this year’s apprenticeship awards. Thanks to our industry-expert trainers, bespoke programmes accredited by leading bodies and new training suites created with employer input, we provide businesses with cutting-edge training solutions that are flexible and responsive to skills gaps. 

“As always, the success of our apprenticeship programmes lies largely with our dedicated teams at the GC Business Hub, so I would like to thank them all once again for their hard work and look forward to celebrating with them on awards night!” 

Watch the virtual awards live on Thursday 19th November 2020

We’re looking forward to finding out the winners, congratulations to all the finalists! The event will be streamed live on YouTube from 6.30pm and hosted by Steve Knibbs from BBC Points West.