Engineering Apprenticeships: Building Skills for the Future

Learning how to use workshop machinery safely starts long before switching it on.

In the image, Max is being shown how our pillar drill works by our Workshop Manager, Simon Rawlins, as part of his workshop training at Blaker Engineering. At this stage, the machine is not being operated; the session is about understanding the equipment and how it is used before progressing to real live training.

We currently have two engineering apprentices at Blaker, combining their studies at Crawley College with hands-on experience in our West Sussex workshop.

With increasing discussion around the different routes young people can take after leaving school or college, apprenticeships are receiving renewed attention. Earlier this year, the Government announced plans to expand opportunities for young people through apprenticeships, as part of a move away from what it described as a “degree by default” culture and towards giving young people greater choice over how they begin their careers.

Apprenticeships give young people the opportunity to learn directly from experienced engineers, develop useful skills and understand how engineering works day to day. Just as importantly, working alongside an established team helps build confidence, communication skills, problem-solving and the ability to work with others.

For Blaker, apprenticeships are also an important way of passing on decades of engineering knowledge and helping develop the skilled engineers we will need in the future.

Blaker Engineering Commercial Manager Robin Plater comments:

“We decided to take on two apprentices this year so that they could progress through their training together, sharing ideas, learning from each other and having someone at a similar stage of their career alongside them.

“Max and Jack also share an interest in motorcycles outside work. Max competes in motorcycle trials, while Jack is a keen motocross rider.

“We wish them both every success as they continue their apprenticeships and look forward to seeing their skills and careers develop, both at college and in the Blaker workshop.”