#NAW2021 Apprenticeship Case Study: Oli Tutton, Engineering Degree Apprentice at Renishaw

National Apprenticeship Week 2021

Gloucestershire College is a proud champion of apprenticeships. To celebrate National Apprenticeship Week 2021, we are showcasing success stories from our amazing apprentices and employers.

We caught up with 21-year-old Oli Tutton, a Mechanical Engineering Apprentice at Renishaw, who also stars in our NEW engineering showcase video. Check it out here, if you haven’t already.

Oli started Gloucestershire College's Product Design and Development Engineer Degree Apprenticeship in September 2020.

Oli knew he wanted to be an engineer from a young age; so much so that he left school at the end of Year 9 to attend an engineering specific college out of the county to really focus on his career.

Oli Tutton, Engineering Degree Apprentice at Renishaw

Why did you decide to do an engineering apprenticeship?

Ever since I was young, I have been taking things apart and trying to put them back together. I’ve always been amazed by the inner workings of things and this, combined with a family history in the aerospace industry, sparked my passion for engineering.

I was always keen on the idea of ‘earning whilst learning’ and having a large debt after university put me off that route, so I decided to do an apprenticeship. I’ve now progressed on to a higher-level apprenticeship, which means I will achieve a degree that my company pays for, and get paid to do it!

Tell us a bit about your apprenticeship.

Day-to-day, I do a wide variety of tasks, from designing and machining components to greeting customers and giving tours of the site. I am put into six-month placements at a time at Renishaw; I can choose almost any department to work in and at the end of my apprenticeship, I will be able to choose where I want to end up. I was very proud to win third place in the Best Overall Apprentice Category of the GET Apprenticeship Awards!

I would recommend doing an engineering apprenticeship to anyone with a passion for creativity or engineering principles. It gives you an opportunity to learn the theory and complex principles while you are at GC, but also incredibly valuable experience that comes with working for a great company.

What do you want to do after completing your apprenticeship?

I’m hoping to become an applications engineer, travelling the country and installing or repairing Renishaw products at customer sites.

How would you rate your time training at GC?

The teaching has been to a very good standard, with all the necessary support in place and plenty additional support for those who need it. My tutor has given me every opportunity to excel and is always happy to help when I’m stuck. The facilities at college are excellent and well-maintained.

Apply to become an apprentice with Gloucestershire College

If Oli’s experience has inspired you to start a career in engineering, you can apply for our apprenticeship programmes online today. Click on the links below to apply online through our website or get in touch with our friendly apprenticeship team with any questions by emailing: apprenticeshipvacancies@gloscol.ac.uk

• Level 2 Engineering Operative
• Level 3 Engineering Technician (Technical Support Mechanical)
• Level 3 Engineering Technician (Technical Support Technician)
• Level 3 Engineering Technician Machinist
• Level 6 Product Design and Development Engineering Degree
• Level 6 Electronic and Computer Engineering Degree

Watch our NEW engineering showcase video here.

West of England Institute of Technology (WEIoT)

We're a proud partner of WEIoT – a government-funded programme bringing together key academic and employer partners across the region, enabling us to specialise in higher-level technical training in STEM subjects.

Find out more here.

Recruit an apprentice for your business

We have talented, prospective apprentices apply to us all year round. Our Business Hub team can help your organisation to recruit an apprentice and match you with new talent to grow your business. Explore our range of programmes and contact our team via: business.hub@gloscol.ac.uk or call: 01452 563400 to get the ball rolling.