What made you choose an apprenticeship with us?

At the time, I was working as an operator here on Appleby Frodingham Coke Ovens when I decided that I wanted a career change, I was working on my BTEC level 3 in engineering on my days off when this opportunity came up. I originally had an interview for the electrical apprenticeship but then received a phone call a couple of weeks later to come back and interview for the degree apprenticeship, which I was later offered a position. It’s a brilliant opportunity, as well as earning money I’m also receiving training that would usually cost thousands. In five years’ time, I will be a fully qualified electrical engineer.

What work have you been doing within the electrical degree apprenticeship?

Initially we began with the domestic side of electrics, learning about consumer units, MC’s and cable diversity. At the minute, I’m working on wiring within a panel simulating the sort of things we will be doing on site. I’ve just completed a traffic light circuit which was great figuring out how it all worked and the real-world applications it had. My next task will involve stripping a motor, testing it in order to see if it is safe for use and then re-building it. 

With regards to the “degree” side of the apprenticeship, it’s mostly theoretical work and calculations, although we have started working on small circuits in electrical principals, creating attenuators and measuring their values with an oscilloscope

What’s the structure of your degree apprenticeship like?

It’s five years altogether. I spend 4 days a week at the training centre and 1 day in college, which will all change come September. 

The HNC takes 2 years to complete, after which I’ll spend a year doing my HND, and then finally onto my Bachelor’s degree in years four and five. Alongside this I will also be working on plant taking part in six monthly rotations, learning my trade. 

What are your prospects of progressing after your apprenticeship?

Once I’ve finished my apprenticeship I hope to be taken on by British Steel. From here I will look to firstly becoming an incorporated engineer, then a chartered engineer which will hopefully show British Steel my commitment to the point where they might consider funding my master’s degree.

What advice would you give to any young people considering a career here?

I’d tell them what a great opportunity this was and that this kind of experience and training won’t be found anywhere else around here. It is a far better option that university and there are plenty of chances to progress within the company. The tutors have a great understanding of their individual trades and are very helpful. 

Name:Ryan Kendall

Company: Mastenbroek

How long have you been with the company: Four years

Job Role: Electrical Engineer

Where did you find the job advertisement to apply for the role?

Following a careers advice session at Boston College I began looking online for technical job vacancies in the immediate area. I came across the vacancy for my current role on Mastenbroek’s website and emailed them my CV.

Why did you want to work for the company?

Most engineering roles in this area involve maintaining pre-existing machinery. As Mastenbroek is a manufacturer of machinery, I get to work with new machines, from conception to completion. Because of this I get to work with the very latest technologies and materials, and have a say in how they’re implemented. 

What interested you about the industry?

I’ve always had an interest in technology and gadgetry, so it made sense to pursue a career in engineering. There’s also a lot of problem solving involved in engineering, and I wanted a job that I would find both challenging and rewarding. 

Can you describe a typical day for you?

This is a tough question to answer, as very rarely are two days ever the same. One day I can spend most of my time making and testing cables and wiring looms for high precision GPS systems, and the next I could spend most of my time installing cameras, sensors or complex laser systems. I then might spend a day working off-site, testing machinery to ensure it works as intended. There’s plenty of variety.

What qualities do you bring to the role?

An eagerness to learn helped me to quickly acquire good technical competency and broaden my skillset. In order to progress in my role I’ll need to keep learning and adapting, which is a challenge I relish. 

Good communication skills are needed in this role, especially when working in a team on a machine worth hundreds of thousands of pounds. Without them I’d struggle to follow or give instructions, or provide feedback. Self-motivation and a good work ethic are also qualities which have helped me to succeed in this role. When you’re working long hours by yourself you need to maintain focus on the task at hand and keep going until the task is successfully completed.

What is difficult about your role?

Because at Mastenbroek we’re constantly modernising and improving our machines, I’m often having to work with systems and designs that are new to me. Learning about them and working with them can be tough, especially if I’m working to a deadline.

What is the best thing about working at the company?

I’m constantly working with new materials and learning new skills, which keeps the role fresh and interesting. 

Why would you recommend working in the industry?

No two days are the same. You’re always learning new information, developing new skills and putting them to test. You often need to find solutions to problems or find new ways to improve systems, which is hugely rewarding when you do.