Case study of our apprentice : Dan Brodie

What and/or who inspired you to pursue a career in engineering? 

I think for me, it was my friends. After I left school, I went to Sheffield College for an electrical engineering course for a year. At the time, one of my friends was looking into apprenticeships at the AMRC Training Centre. He ended up getting one and said it was brilliant. He enjoyed it and said everything was on a high level, so I essentially just followed in his footsteps. 

Why did an apprenticeship appeal to you? How do you think your apprenticeship will give you the skills and knowledge you need for a rewarding career?

An apprenticeship is a way to start a career that's essentially going to last your whole life, and you get paid while you're learning. I think what was special about the AMRC Training Centre is that you’re working on the workshop floor with people who have been in the industry for 30 or 40 years. You know the education they're giving you is exactly what you'll be using in your day-to-day life.

What is the best part about doing an apprenticeship at the AMRC Training Centre?

I think it’s just a great atmosphere to learn in. The environment I get to work in is just so comfortable, especially for me, because I didn't really have much experience with hand tools or that sort of thing. When I go there, I feel like I’m in good hands. It’s a space where I can grow, and not be afraid to make mistakes. And I believe that's really important.

One of my favourite memories is probably when I did the electrical section with Joe(??) in the workshop. Learning those hand tool skills, using strippers and wiring plug sockets, those things seem basic, but just getting comfortable with how to use tools and applying that in my day-to-day life really helps me progress.

Tell us about your job role and work at Bensons Panels. What are some of the highlights?

My day-to-day at Benson's is focused on learning how to wire panels. It's a difficult job because there's all sorts of information and little things you have to learn to make sure everything is perfect and spot on.

Recently, I started on smaller panels which are comparatively easier. A full-time wire would do them pretty quickly, but for me, starting on these lower panels is great for building my skills and my confidence.

As time goes, I will be progressing to slightly harder panels and working alongside a wire who has years of experience working on more difficult panels. So, it’s something I’m excited about. That's kind of how my day goes, it's all about taking small steps toward a bigger goal.

What tips and/or advice would you give to other people looking to do an apprenticeship?

Some people are stuck between going to university or pursuing another kind of education, like an apprenticeship. I'd say you have to look at how you like to learn. Everyone learns differently, some are visual learners and others just like hands-on experience.

Personally, I knew an apprenticeship was the right direction for me because I like to be hands-on. I prefer to learn on the job rather than being in a classroom all the time.

Any comments on winning the Leeds Manufacturing Festival Apprentice of the Year Award?

It was an interesting turn of events that led me to winning this award.

We had two people in the prep department. One of them, Ash, who had been working there for about 15 years, got an in-house promotion to the office to do all the designs for the control panels. This left the other person on their own, but unfortunately they went off sick too. That meant no one was working in the prep department.

So I had to go in and try to learn all the skills quickly, reading SOPs and things like that. Ash came down to help me out with certain bits, and I learned how to use the laser machine, the label printer and the Perforx CNC machine to help keep the production line from slowing down.

I took on new work which was exciting but more importantly, I was very glad that I had this opportunity to step up and help my company.