National Apprenticeship Week

This week is National Apprenticeship Week and we’re proud to have on two on board at Stream Measurement and a further four at JWF. 

We’ve had a chat with Joe Hewson, our Service Apprentice, to hear his thoughts on apprenticeship life!

What attracted you to the role at Stream?

I was coming to the end of my mechanical and electrical level three, so was looking for more of a maintenance or fitting type role over a machining job. When the Stream opportunity came up, the close-knit team was an attractive proposition, compared to a large corporate, and the opportunity to move in to a completely new area and learn about new technology was really attractive. 

Tell us about the most interesting project you have worked on?

When the new calibration rig arrived, we watched and helped with some parts of the fitting process, and I moved the heavier elements of the equipment using the stacker. During the setting up process, I was also able to use the software, and am looking forward to more opportunities to use the equipment on live projects. 

There is a great variety of work and  whilst I’m mainly based in the workshop, it’s really interesting to be able to go out and about and work on client sites.  

What are your key achievements to date?

Finishing the first year of my apprenticeship, completing the level three diploma, and being skilled enough and trusted to work on my own to complete project work with minimal intervention.  

What are your career aspirations?

After completing my apprenticeship, hopefully I’ll be retained at Stream but have considered returning to college and completing an HND to add to my qualifications. 

I’ve also got aspirations to go abroad and work on boats or perhaps become the main gas meter engineer in the next few years!

What skills for life have you learned so far?

As it was my first full time job, I’ve learned everything a first job teaches you such as communicating well with people in the workplace, keeping the workplace clean and tidy, getting work finished within a certain time frame, and good time keeping in general. It was the first time having to use engineering maths outside of doing it at college so it was great to put the theory in to practice at work. 

Why would you recommend the apprenticeship route?

It enables you to acquire skills and knowledge whilst on the job and, if you can get in early enough, it’s a much faster process than going to university. I’ve been guided well and been given the experiences and support to complete my work, and being paid for working while learning is a massive motivational boost.