electrical engineering
apprenticeship scheme

stories

Harvey Stubbs, Electrical Engineering apprentice,
British Sugar Wissington, joined Sep 2023

I have always had an inquisitive mind and enjoyed working out how things work. This can be seen from my chosen subjects which I studied at sixth form being Mathematics, Physics and Design Technology.

I feel like my chosen subjects worked very well for me as studying maths and physics helped me to develop my academic knowledge which I could then apply to my practical work in Design Technology. 

Even from a young age I have been a more practically minded person which is why I decided that going to university wasn’t for me. I much preferred to learn through practical hands-on work. This led me to wanting to pursue the apprenticeship route to further my knowledge.

During my time at sixth form, I explored different apprenticeship opportunities through not only searching online but also by talking to teachers and friends. This is when I was informed by one of my teachers of the British Sugar apprenticeship scheme. It sounded appealing and after researching more information about the company I decided to apply. 

After applying, I had two interviews where I had the chance to meet some of the people who worked at British Sugar and got to ask questions about the job and just daily life around site. I also was given a site tour where I got to see some of the machinery and was able to learn about how the processes work. The more I learnt about the site and the overall apprenticeship the more I could tell how much it would suit me. I was very happy when I found out I had been offered the apprenticeship and couldn’t wait to get started. 

In my first month I spent lots of time learning about how to stay safe on site and the basics to electrical engineering. Once I had completed my induction, I was able to start working on site. 

In the last three months I have been working on site and feel I have vastly improved my knowledge of electrical engineering. Everyone has been more then helpful in ensuring I have a strong core knowledge to improve upon. I currently feel like I am in a very good place with what I have learnt, and I am very excited to continue my development. 

At British Sugar I feel like I am already part of the team and making a difference. I would recommend this apprenticeship to anyone who has a passion for engineering.

stories

Nathan Trundle, Multi-skilled Technician, previous Electrical Apprentice
British Sugar Wissington, joined 2018

Why did you decide to do an apprenticeship?

There are several reasons for choosing an apprenticeship over other routes. I wanted to gain hands on experience and learn on the job from the get-go. Other routes would require me to sit in a classroom for several more years before picking up a tool, this wasn’t something I was interested in doing.

Tell us about your journey as an apprentice at British Sugar

I moved to Middlesbrough for 12/18 months with a group of 11 other lads where we went to college 5 days a week learning the theory side of things but also spending time practically getting us ready for when we arrived on site. I then spend around 2 years in the electrical department gaining experience on days and on shift. The last year of my apprenticeship was spent in Customer Supply performing a multi-skilled role, I was learning both electrical and mechanical engineering up until I finished.

How did British Sugar support you through your apprenticeship?

We had constant communication with our People Development Manager who was our support network, for a lot of us it was our first time living away from home. Any issues and our People Development Manager would support us. When on site I had monthly meetings to ensure I was keeping on track, if I wasn’t we would come up with a plan to support and help get me back on track.

What do you feel were the advantages of doing an apprenticeship over other education/ training programmes?

The main advantage is you are learning specifically about your job from ‘day dot’. People who have been in the business for 20+ years were supporting me everyday giving me their knowledge, helping me become the person I am today.

How have you found balancing your lifestyle and social life while doing your apprenticeship?

Very easy, you work your normal hours then go home. It’s the same as a normal full-time job, if you keep up with your apprenticeship while you are at work, then there’s nothing to stress about once you clock off.

Have you met any friends through your apprenticeship? 

Having moved away and lived with 11 other people very similar minded I’ve made plenty of friends. Most of which I speak to on a weekly basis. Everyone on site have been great and they can’t do enough to help you.

How did the apprenticeship help you kick-start/ progress your career?

Without the apprenticeship I wouldn’t be able to do the job I’m doing now. I would have finished university and only now start learning the practical side of the job. The day I finished the apprenticeship I was on shift on my own looking after the whole of Customer Supply when on nights.

What has been your best achievement so far? 

Going to Customer Supply, it was a complete change of environment, not many people have gone from the factory to Customer Supply and I feel it has been a great move for me personally. I’ve met a lot of great people whilst also learning another skillset.