Apprenticeship Case Study: William Lowe, Electrical and Electronic Engineering Apprentice at GE Aviation

What made you choose to do an apprenticeship?

I chose to do an apprenticeship as I wanted to gain qualifications that would make me more employable in any further engineering environments that I may wish to work for during my career.

How did you find your employer/ apply for the apprenticeship?

I applied for my apprenticeship via a job seeking website.

Tell us a bit about your day-to-day job role as an apprentice, and how do you fit studying around your work commitments?

My work involves a lot of component placing on PCB’s, which relates to theory studied at the college during the apprenticeship program. I have also started to perform daily and weekly maintenance on soldering machines. I study mainly in my college hours. Days when I don’t have college are spent at work and focusing on my training there.

What is the best thing about your apprenticeship?

The best thing about my apprenticeship is the cohort of people in my year working through the same apprenticeship program as me at the same company. Working with these people has been an absolute pleasure.

How has your line manager in the workplace and trainer/assessor at Gloucestershire College supported you through your apprenticeship?

My manager and training coordinator have supported me throughout my apprenticeship through regular reviews on performance. Here, additional support is offered to those who need it, the training coordinator is always just one email away and will always respond quickly to any queries.

What are your career ambitions for after you finish your apprenticeship?

To continue my work at GE as a skilled operator. I will take any chances I am offered to gain extra qualifications and move up in the business.

Would you recommend doing an apprenticeship in your industry?

I would recommend an apprenticeship in this industry if you have a goal to keep progressing within the business you are working for once your apprenticeship ends. This is because to move further in the business employers will always prefer the additional qualifications, especially if achieved working for the business. As a young person this industry can really give you a kick start in life.

Apply to become an apprentice with Gloucestershire College

If  William'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

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.