Former student Alice Greibig is one of many of our graduates who have gone on to follow an apprenticeship. We spoke to her as part of National Apprenticeship Week (Feb 10-14) about her experiences so far.
- What apprenticeship are you are doing?
Manufacturing Engineering Apprentice in defence
- Why you have chosen this?
I chose this as it is close to home and there are many pathways that defence can take you through. Manufacturing was a good choice for me as I like the analytical side of it where you have an overview of the whole process and find the patterns in it. Also it allows me to branch out easily afterwards as manufacturing applies to almost every industry
- What do you hope to do upon completing this apprenticeship?
I’m not sure yet, perhaps stay with the company long term or start looking at training to become a luthier as I love instruments.
- Where are you based, and where do you study?
I am based near Reading; I study once a week at Newbury College
- What is a typical day like for you?
I sit in an office with Manufacturing Engineers and deal with issues that come through from the workshop. That can be a process issue or machine failure and then I try and find a solution with their help.
- Which subjects did you study and how do they link to your apprenticeship?
Maths, Biology, Physics, EPQ, and self-studied AS in Further Maths. I use the maths pretty often, and I think the time management and independence I developed from the EPQ and self-study really helped me get used to how a workplace functions.
- How did your school/college support you when you were applying?
I got a lot of support from Steph and Carly, as they helped me prepare for applications and were very encouraging and supportive throughout the whole process. There was also a lot of information available able how apprenticeships work and what to expect, given the applications are fairly different than with university.
- How was the interview process and how did you prepare?
The interview process was mainly split into three parts, with the initial CV application, then an online assessment, and then finally an interview which was normally a Teams call. I think they liked the EPQ as it showed initiative and that I had an interest in engineering of my own accord that I wanted to pursue.
- How many apprenticeship positions did you apply for?
Over ten. I can’t remember the exact figure but from those applications I only managed to get through to the interview stage with three of them.
- Was there anything about your UTC experience that you think might have put you ahead of the competition in the interviewing process?
I like the independence I was taught while studying there. I felt like a part of the school and I think that transferred into the workplace well.
- What would your advice be to potential apprentices about apprenticeships?
It’s a very competitive field so expect rejection going in, it doesn’t always mean that you aren’t good enough for the job, but you just might not fit the workplace or there were 300 other people also going for that one position. Have a good knowledge of the company and their product and make sure you fully understand the job you’re going into and why before sending in your application as that will make the later stages of the interviews a lot easier.
- Would you recommend the UTC to other students and why?
UTC is mainly about trying to get you prepared to work on your own initiative in the workplace so if you are someone who likes to pursue their own interests then it’s a good choice.
- How have you developed as a person since you started your apprenticeship?
I have become more organised with my time and have become more confident socially.
- What is the best thing about an apprenticeship?
I am learning constantly which is really fun and I can see the progress I’m making due to that.
