Apprentice Insights
Aaron Black
First Year Modern Apprentice Machinist
What are your current day-to-day and future expected responsibilities?
As a first-year apprentice, I have been learning how a gas turbine operates and the key components within the engine. I have completed my hand skills unit – this has given me a better skill set when working with hand tools. I have recently been working at our dedicated training centre’s workshop dismantling a Honda 16v. This engine was removed from an old vehicle whilst following a procedure to assist with the process. I have also completed the plant maintenance practice unit – this has provided me with greater knowledge of health and safety in the workplace and why it’s paramount to carry out tasks safely. Both units have given me good practice on following procedures and storing parts correctly.
As part of my future expected responsibilities, I will be involved in a wide range of activities which will help grow my skill set, and allow me to develop my career.
What support have you been given during your apprenticeship to-date?
The support given during my apprenticeship so far has been top-class. If I come across a problem during a theory task, I can always ask for help. The training presentations are also very informative – you always get the best response to any question asked – this helps provide a greater understanding of the subject within the theory task.
What advice would you give to future apprentices?
The best advice I could give to future apprentices is to just keep listening. The information imparted is very useful and you will need it when you are in your department. Also enjoy yourself – this helps in making good friends and connections throughout the apprenticeship experience.
If I could do it (post-school choice) all again I would...?
If I could do it all again – I would, as the experience I have had is top-tier. The training provided and the information I have gained to-date is very useful. I know I can develop my career and keep learning more skills with RWG. The people you will meet during the apprenticeship experience will help develop your knowledge more and more. So, I wouldn’t change anything I have done to reach this point.
Sean Wilson
First Year Modern Apprentice Gas Turbine Engine Tester
What are your current day-to-day and future expected responsibilities?
As a first-year apprentice at RWG, I am gaining valuable theoretical and technical knowledge about gas turbines, mechanical fitting, maintenance, and machining. In addition, I have been conducting a practical task involving manufacturing workpieces by hand. I have also been building, stripping and inspecting piston and gas turbine engines, and machining workpieces on a centre lathe and milling machine. I have played a role in creating Risk Assessments and I presented this work to the Executive team during a quality meeting.
Looking to the future, I am excited about the opportunity to join the team at our Testing Facilities in Tullos, Aberdeen. There, I will play a key role in the intake, set-up and testing of engines, ensuring that their performance meets our customers’ expectations and requirements. If driving a jet engine wasn’t exciting enough, Tullos is involved in some innovative research and development that could revolutionise the ways we approach gas turbines. This work has the potential to increase the viability of gas turbines in the future, especially as the world moves towards more environmentally friendly energy.
What support have you been given during your apprenticeship to date?
Our entire year group has received all the support to help us succeed. From guidance and encouragement through to the relevant office supplies and PPE. Our Supervisors continue to make our learning experience both enjoyable and invaluable.
What advice would you give to future apprentices?
My advice to any future apprentices would be to put your all into any apprenticeship that you secure, especially here at RWG as the more effort you put in, the more you’ll gain from the experience. Along the way, you will make friends that could last a lifetime, and remember to enjoy the experience!
If I could do it (post-school choice) all again I would…?
As an older apprentice, I believe the experiences I’ve had through other lines of work before starting this job have played a huge role in shaping who I am today. Without them, I’m not sure who I would be. I don’t think I would change a thing about the path I’ve taken before this apprenticeship. I’ve seen parts of the world, worked with many people, and matured in ways that have made me appreciate and value this opportunity even more.
Cooper Black
Second Year Modern Apprentice Inspector
What are your current day-to-day and future expected responsibilities?
I currently inspect various engine components for gas turbine engines in accordance with the PCI data to ensure the components meet the standard of serviceable life. If they do not meet the standard, they can be sent for repair (within our in-house Component Repair facility) or rejected.
What support have you been given during your apprenticeship to-date?
Core skills were gained and further developed in the first year of the apprenticeship whilst I was based at the purpose-built training centre. After moving to my department, I have had continued support from my colleagues, supervisors and the apprentice trainers. They have all been brilliant in supporting me and answering the queries I’ve had along the way.
What advice would you give to future apprentices?
To fully apply yourself as much as you can, put your name down for anything and everything to build your skills and better your ability within the workplace. There are always loads of opportunities in RWG.
If I could do it (post-school choice) all again I would...?
I don’t think I would have changed anything. I believe this was the best choice I could have made. I don’t believe I would have enjoyed university or college. Getting hands on experience whilst working towards a formal qualification felt like a much better decision for me.
Scott Coull
Third Year Modern Apprentice Inspector
What are your current day-to-day and future expected responsibilities?
My day-to-day responsibilities include inspection of gas turbine components, measuring components from each engine to ensure they are fit for purpose and correct according to the data provided from our OEM. If required, we use our operational system to send parts for repairs - such as welding or having them sprayed with protective coatings, etc. We can also complete small repairs ourselves. As part of my future responsibilities, I will perform engine receipt checks, build checks and despatch checks.
What support have you been given during your apprenticeship to-date?
During our first year, we received excellent support from the Apprentice Trainers in our in-house training centre to learn the hand skills and the SVQ units that we required to achieve our Modern Apprenticeship. They also taught us the basics of how a gas turbine operates, as well as all the main components. In my project, I still receive great support from my Supervisors and my colleagues are always happy to help when required. The workshop environment is where you learn about the gas turbines in greater detail. We also receive quarterly performance reviews with our Supervisors and the Apprentice Trainers to ensure that we don’t have any issues with work and that we are working to the standard they expect of us.
What advice would you give to future apprentices?
Do what’s right for you. Personally university wasn’t for me, so I chose the apprenticeship route and have never looked back. Also do your research – companies love people with initiative and drive, and this could be your first impression on them, so make it count.
If I could do it (post-school choice) all again I would...?
Do it quicker. It is important to try other things out before finding the right place for you but the earlier you find something you enjoy the better. This gives you plenty of time to grasp all the opportunities available to you after your apprenticeship.
Gaba Gribauskas
Third Year Modern Apprentice Fitter
What are your current day-to-day and future expected responsibilities?
When our customer’s SGT-A35 aero derivative gas turbine engine is inducted into our workshop, I assist with bulk strip which involves removing the pipe work, the accessories, the turbine, and combustion assembly as well as the modules. I have also been involved in the sub-assembly strip. I have been learning the importance of documentation and OEM standards. Once the parts have been through wash and inspection and have either been repaired or rejected, I support the re-building of the engine. The whole process is complex but very rewarding when you see the overhauled engine looking like new and ready to be dispatched to our Test Facility.
What support have you been given during your apprenticeship to-date?
I have been very fortunate to work with some great trainers and mentors during my apprenticeship so far. I have enjoyed learning and gaining new skills from colleagues whilst working on given tasks.
What advice would you give to future apprentices?
Don’t be shy about asking for help or query something you might be unsure about. After all, you are an apprentice who is learning what is required to be successful in your job.
If I could do it (post-school choice) all again I would...?
Originally, I wanted to do chemical engineering at university, but I decided to follow an Apprenticeship route instead as this allows me to not only learn and work your way towards a qualification, but you also get to build your experience in a workshop environment. Turning ratchets and spanners was the better option for me, as, from a very young age, I've enjoyed this type of work.
Euan Dalmon
Fourth Year Modern Apprentice Inspector
What are your current day-to-day and future expected responsibilities?
My current day-to-day responsibilities include inspecting components; dimensionally and visually with precision measuring, learning how to inspect more complex components, assisting with build inspection tasks and carrying out engine inductions. I will soon learn build inspection checks as part of my apprenticeship and inspecting some hot end components.
I also am a member of the Health, Safety and Environmental Committee at RWG. As such, I carry out monthly tours of the workshop and check the overall safety of the workshop. I am also a member of the calibration team, which includes gathering all the equipment from our workshop and sending it to our calibration department.
In the future, I will be responsible for inspecting more complex components and more build inspections with no assistance.
What support have you been given during your apprenticeship to-date?
I was given training on the inspection of all components and anytime I was unsure of anything, I could always ask a more experienced colleague in the department or my cell leaders or supervisor. They would give a helpful answer to my query or point me in the right direction of paperwork/procedures, which are in place to help with the issue at hand.
What advice would you give to future apprentices?
Never be afraid to ask questions. I wouldn’t have gotten this far into my apprenticeship without the help and guidance of my colleagues, cell leaders, supervisor and trainers. These people are there to help you learn and develop into a colleague that is successful and good at their job.
If I could do it (post-school choice) all again I would...?
I would have applied for apprenticeships straight out of school. When I left school, I didn’t know what I would like to do, so I opted to apply for a college course in something I was good at when at school. I completed my HND, and the logical next step was to apply for third year at university. I passed all of my modules in the first semester but decided as the second semester was about to start that the course and potential career path afterwards wasn’t for me. I then applied for several apprenticeships in the mechanical engineering field and thankfully got the one I am in today. I wish I had made this decision sooner.
Ross Mann
Project Engineer (Time Served Inspector)
What are your current day-to-day and future expected responsibilities?
After completing my 4-year Modern Apprenticeship Programme at RWG an opportunity arose in the Project Engineering team. I applied for the role and I was able to demonstrate that I had the right background and the aptitude to learn the Project Engineer role. Since being appointed into the Project Engineer role my responsibilities are to look after various customer’s Gas Turbine Engines as they come through our workshop for Repair or Overhaul. On a day-to-day basis, I will communicate with various stakeholders, which include customers, our Engineering, Inspection and Repair team. This allows me to make both technical and commercial decisions based on the customers’ needs, but also the mechanical integrity and performance of the engine.
What Support you were given during your apprenticeship to help you succeed?
I was fortunate enough to be sponsored by the Company through my Higher National Certificate in Mechanical Engineering and following the completion of this course I pursued a APM Project Management Qualification (PMQ).
What advice would you give to future apprentices?
Show interest and enthusiasm in your role, and get involved with other parts of the business if it’s possible. For example, join the quality or health and safety team to learn more about the business.
What opportunities were you able to access during your apprenticeship?
During my Apprenticeship I was provided with the opportunity to work in various departments throughout the company on a rotation. This gained me a deeper understanding of the business. After enjoying my time in the project office, I was able to switch from my Apprentice Inspector role to Apprentice Project Engineer. This opened up the possibilities of travel and to meet with our customers. It also gave me the chance to work with brand new development engines.
If I could do it (post-school choice) all again I would…?
Join RWG after leaving school rather than going to university first. I would have been able to do the same degree through the Company, but I would have achieved 4 years real work experience too.
Mark Wallace
Project Engineer (Time Served Inspector)
What are your current day-to-day responsibilities?
My day-to-day responsibilities include managing gas turbine engines through the repair and overhaul cycle, ensuring alignment with customer requirements. The role involves collaborating with internal teams to fulfil these requirements and translating contracts into technical instructions. Other tasks include reviewing and negotiating business terms and setting schedules internally and externally. I also compile technical, financial, and progress reports, review tender documents, prepare bids, while maintaining regular communication with key customers to promote the company’s services and ensure customer satisfaction.
What support you were given during your apprenticeship to help you succeed?
RWG have a fantastic in-house training centre that carry out the entire first year of training including an SVQ level 2, as well as an NC in mechanical engineering. Following this, apprentices head to their respective departments where there are regular check-ins from the training department throughout their SVQ level 3, as well as a great team of experienced staff to mentor you on the day-to-day tasks. In addition to this, there are opportunities for continued studies for those interested.
What advice would you give to future apprentices?
Be proactive, develop relationships and continue learning. If you are keen and show an interest in not only your own job but other areas of the business, this could develop opportunities in the future. Embrace new experiences when they present themselves as this provides a prime opportunity to network and further your understanding of your organisation. Document your progress using a professional development plan and ensure to equally prioritise experience as well as interpersonal skills such as communication and problem solving.
If I could do it (post-school choice) all again I would…?
Do the same again. I believe I made the right choice for me and the route I took lead me to where I am today. I have had some great opportunities within my company from starting as an Apprentice Gas Turbine Inspector, to becoming time served, then becoming a Materials Engineer, and most recently achieving a role as a Project Engineer. During my time as a materials engineer, I also started a Graduate Apprenticeship BA (Hons) degree in Business Management, which I am currently in my third year of. This has allowed me to further develop theoretical knowledge alongside my work-based experience. Therefore, based on my experience, I would encourage those making post-school choices to do their research and consider all options available to them, especially apprenticeships as there are a diverse array of them available.