Building a strong engineering workforce for the future starts with giving people the opportunity to learn, develop and gain meaningful experience today.
At Eastgate Engineering, apprenticeships play an important role in developing the next generation of skilled engineering professionals. By combining recognised qualifications with practical, hands-on experience, our apprentices have the opportunity to build their technical knowledge while working alongside experienced people across a variety of projects and sectors.
As part of our latest Apprenticeship Spotlight, we spoke to Cameron Allison and Reece Lowes about their development journeys at Eastgate, their experiences so far and their ambitions for the future.
Engineering apprenticeships provide an opportunity to combine academic learning with practical experience in a working environment.
For Cameron and Reece, their apprenticeships at Eastgate have enabled them to work towards their Level 3 NVQs in Electrical Installation while developing their skills through real projects and learning from experienced colleagues.
The result is a development journey that goes beyond achieving a qualification. Exposure to different projects, environments and people helps apprentices develop confidence, broaden their knowledge and gain a better understanding of where they would like their careers to take them.
Cameron has been with Eastgate Engineering for four years and is currently working towards his Level 3 NVQ in Electrical Installation.
Having wanted to become an electrician from a young age, Cameron was introduced to the industrial sector through a family friend, which ultimately led him to the opportunity at Eastgate.
One of the aspects he values most about his apprenticeship is the variety of experience available.
“I enjoy the variety of work at Eastgate. I’ve worked on a range of projects over the years, from oil and gas to renewable energy, which has given me a lot of valuable experience.”
Working across different projects and alongside different people has also helped Cameron grow professionally, allowing him to build his confidence and expand his knowledge.
Importantly, his apprenticeship is also helping him identify where he would like to take his engineering career next. As Cameron progresses, he hopes to become increasingly involved in the quality side of engineering work, particularly quality assurance and quality control (QA/QC).
Reece’s journey with Eastgate began differently.
While studying at college, he joined Eastgate on a work placement. After enjoying the experience, that initial opportunity led to an apprenticeship, and Reece is now working towards his own Level 3 NVQ in Electrical Installation.
Since starting his apprenticeship, Reece has had the opportunity to work on a variety of jobs alongside experienced people.
“Since starting, I’ve worked on a variety of different jobs alongside experienced people, which has helped me build my confidence and develop my skills.”
There have already been some significant milestones along the way. Reece highlights completing courses such as the GWO and passing all of his college exams as some of his achievements so far.
His apprenticeship has also given him the opportunity to work in different locations and gain experience outside his usual environment.
“Working away can sometimes be challenging, but it also gives me the opportunity to work in different places, meet new people and gain more experience.”
For Reece, those different experiences are all contributing to his development as he continues building the skills and knowledge required for his future engineering career.
One of the recurring themes in both Cameron and Reece’s experiences is the value of learning alongside other people.
Technical qualifications provide an important foundation, but working on live projects gives apprentices the opportunity to put that knowledge into practice.
For Cameron, working with different people has helped develop his knowledge and confidence. For Reece, working alongside experienced colleagues across a variety of jobs has similarly played an important role in developing his skills.
That combination of structured learning and practical experience is central to developing capable, confident engineering professionals.
Cameron and Reece’s stories demonstrate how different routes can lead to a career in engineering.
Their journeys also demonstrate the wider value of engineering apprenticeships: giving people the opportunity to learn a trade, experience different types of work, develop professional confidence and begin identifying where they want their careers to progress.
At Eastgate Engineering, we’re proud to support people as they develop their skills, expand their experience and build careers within the engineering industry.
Whether you’re looking to begin your career through an apprenticeship or searching for the next opportunity in your professional development, Eastgate offers the chance to work alongside experienced people, gain valuable industry experience and contribute to real engineering projects.
Interested in developing your engineering career with Eastgate? Visit our Careers page to explore our latest vacancies and opportunities.
