Apprenticeship Case Study
Matthew Gill
22 year old Matthew Gill left The Holy Family Catholic school at 16 like many students before him – what he decided to do next should prove to be a shining example to students reaching that stage in their education right now: Matthew undertook an Apprenticeship.
Matthew had decided he wanted to work and earn a wage as well as furthering his education, and the Apprenticeship route offered that, and more. He approached us to undertake an Apprenticeship in Mechanical Engineering, and was signed on to their programme in 2000. He then spent his first year at college, under the guidance of our Training Advisers, furthering his education and learning new skills, before successfully gaining employment at Kone Escalators in Keighley.
"I spent the first year and a half learning about all aspects of the manufacturing processes of escalators by working under a variety of qualified fitters before being unleashed on my own," said Matthew. "My first project without supervision took a while, but I got it finished without any problems. That’s what I liked about an Apprenticeship – you further your education, learn a skill, and get paid at the same time; it’s a logical choice, and it doesn’t cost you anything."
Throughout his Apprenticeship, Matthew worked closely with Paul Higson, his Training Adviser at KADTAL. Paul has a background in engineering competence, and was able to work with Matthew on an equal understanding – an element of Matthews Apprenticeship that he especially enjoyed.
he wanted to utilise his skills elsewhere and to the benefit of others.
Matthew spent 3 years with Kone on his Apprenticeship; 4 days a week at work and at college for the remaining day. When he successfully completed his Apprenticeship, gaining an NVQ Level 3 in Mechanical Engineering and a City & Guilds Technical Certificate, he decided he wanted to utilise his skills elsewhere and to the benefit of others. Kone were sad to see him leave, but wished him every success and still call on his skills whenever he can make himself available.
He enrolled on a combined Design Technology BSc and Teacher Training Course at Edge Hill University, with the intention of taking his engineering experience back into schools, and giving the students the benefit of his knowledge. 2 years into the course and Matthew still falls back on his training at Kone:
“The other students couldn’t believe the money I can earn compared to them”
"I have a distinct advantage over the other students at University, as I am earning far more money than them because of my Apprenticeship. The other students couldn’t believe the money I can earn compared to them, as I can draw on my training to work during my free time. Most students think office work is better, but that’s not always true – there’s more money in engineering, more variety, and the benefits are better. There aren’t many University students with a brand new car parked outside!"
Matthew has already undertaken 2 teacher placements - back at Holy Family School where he started his career path. He has been teaching students in the wide-ranging facets of engineering, and enthusing them to look into the industry in more detail. "It’s not all oil and lathes as some people think. I’ve been working on Product Design & Packaging, Electronics, Systems & Controls, Textiles, and Graphics – the variety is endless."
“An Apprenticeship is a good way to go into higher education – you get more experience, learn more skills, and earn a good wage while your doing it.”
Apprentices are still very keenly sought by businesses throughout the region – and Matthew stands testament to the opportunities that can lie ahead for any student if they put their mind to it. Matthew summed up his chosen career path by explaining, "An Apprenticeship is a good way to go into higher education – you get more experience, learn more skills, and earn a good wage while your doing it."
