„It’s my first full time job and it gives me money to spend”
Peter Whitehead – Mechanical Maintenance & Welding Apprentice, employed by CEMEX, Buxton
My name is Peter Whitehead and I chose Engineering Apprenticeship because I like the opportunity to work as well as learn. It’s excellent to get paid to learn new skills, it’s my first job and it gives me money to spend, while I’m getting my qualifications. I think I’ll be able to earn around £36k after completing my Apprenticeship, which I’m very happy with!
HOW DID YOU START YOUR ENGINEERING APPRENTICESHIP?
I applied for an apprenticeship, but didn’t get a job. Because I was now registered with SETA, they passed my details to another company and they invited me for an interview.
HOW WAS YOUR JOB INTERVIEW?
My interview was very relaxed, I got to meet people at the quarry and it was the best interview I’ve been to. They knew what they are doing and it wasn’t very pressured. I was able to ask my questions as well. They were impressed I knew about company – I have to thank my uncle for that, he told me to check company website before the interview.
How much do you expect to earn?
I think I’ll be able to earn around £36k after apprenticeship. It’s my first job and it gives me money to spend, while I’m getting my qualifications.
I hope to progress within company – I’m not for academics. I prefer going to company and doing the work.
WHAT YOUR DAY AS AN APPRENTICE LOOKS LIKE?
I’m doing my craft training in welding and bench fitting and mechanical maintenance, which gives me NVQ2.
I also do an engineering subjects qualifications called BTEC level 3 one day a week.
Once I finished my welding units, it’s 4 days at the company and 1 day BTEC course at SETA.
SETA Engineering Apprentice wins 3rd Prize at Harrogate Exhibition
Peter won Mechanical Maintenance Section Award earlier this year during SETA Annual Awards and was named Fundraiser of The Year for his involvement in the various charity events. A total of £2500 was raised by apprentices in 2014/15 for SETA’s partner charity When you Wish upon a Star, and Peter have raised the most of all the apprentices.
He also received 3rd Certificate in Juniors category for his Apprentice Test Pieces, which was a collection of different methods of joining metals together at Harrogate Model Engineering Exhibition and was featured in Engineering in Miniature magazine.