Ben Reynolds, 20

Apprentice

An engineering apprenticeship was the obvious choice for me, after studying engineering for two years at college I felt an apprenticeship would offer me the best opportunity to make a career. As apprenticeships are so widely accepted and appreciated in industry I decided that university would not have been so beneficial long-term, as the opportunity to gain real experience is limited as well as the opportunity to earn whilst building large debts. HR Smith offer a great apprenticeship programme through HGTA and encourage you to build your own future. At HR Smith there is always something different everyday and you gain a full understanding of the processes involved in the company product design and manufacturing. You get satisfaction in understanding what the final outcome your job is for, I know I made the right choice.

Scott Bradley, 22

Electronic Test Development Engineer

I finished my electronic apprenticeship at HR Smith two years ago and now work in Research and Design. Part of my job also involves helping to look after apprentices when they are in my department.

I was fortunate enough to do my work experience at HR Smith during high school. This definitely made the idea of an apprenticeship more appealing to me, especially after finding an apprenticeship with HR Smith was an option through HWGTA.I did my apprenticeship straight from school, and I can remember how unsure I was about whether college or an apprenticeship was the right decision. Now both options are valid but I would recommend an apprenticeship, the practical experience alongside learning is a fantastic way to move from education into the working world, plus an important factor for me was avoiding the huge cost of higher education.And for anyone thinking that an apprenticeship won’t allow you to study at higher education, I am currently studying part time to obtain my HND, whilst other colleagues and ex-apprentices have completed Bachelors and Master Degrees through the company. So the higher education qualifications are still obtainable through an apprenticeship scheme, provided that you prove you’re worth it.

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