Next in our showcase is Euan Wynne, an Engineering Apprentice with JJ Churchill.

What made you want to pursue a career in the sector and an apprenticeship?

I wanted to ensure I was part of engineering and building the future and chose to pursue this goal through an apprenticeship which gave me the best of worlds through being hands on and physically learning to also learning the theory side of things.

What is your day-to-day role like?

In my day-to-day role, I work in and help to operate the Electro-Discharge Machining (EDM) cell alongside a Manufacturing Engineer, my mentor. This includes tasks such as tool/consumable organisation, quality control within the cell, ordering products and consumables needed, writing programs when required and general upkeep. Recently, my mentor has left with the business which has allowed me to step up into an important role and I am lucky enough that the business sees me suitable to run the EDM cell as a whole.

Have you worked on any interesting projects / programmes during your apprenticeship?

One project I have worked on that fascinated me was Laser Ablation which is a method of machining that could rival traditional EDM methods. Within this project, I was able to look at consumable differences, tooling, cost involvements, conduct research and even liaise with professionals across Europe as well as a team of engineers from Japan. It was a great project that gave me a very broad line of research and I’m already looking forward to my next project.

What has been the best thing about your apprenticeship, has anything surprised you?

There have been many high points from across my time within the apprenticeship, however the best thing would be the unique opportunities I have received through being an apprentice with JJ Churchill. I’ve really enjoyed rotating around the business and getting a good feel for how the business operates from all points of view. There are so many talented engineers at JJ Churchill who share a plethora of experience, some of which who have been at the business for over 40 years since their own apprenticeship!

Would you recommend an apprenticeship to people looking to make a first step in their career?

I couldn’t recommend an apprenticeship enough to anyone, regardless of sector and business. An apprenticeship guides you and gives you qualifications and hands on experience at the same time. You get to learn something you are aspiring to be and get paid for doing it, it was a no-brainer for me.

What is your advice to someone who would like to join an apprenticeship scheme?

My main piece of advice for anyone looking into an apprenticeship scheme would be to do your research! The scheme will take up a few years of your time, and it should be something that you love to do. It will open so many doors for you and your career, so if you’re willing to work hard you will no doubt reap the benefits. Another key thing to remember is that an apprenticeship is suitable for anyone, regardless of age or background and is a great place to start, irrespective of whether this is your first job out of school like myself, a career change, or anything else for that matter.

For more information on apprenticeships with JJ Churchill, visit: https://www.jjchurchill.com/careers/apprenticeships/