Michael Allen is a Senior CAD Technician with Wentworth House Partnership (WHP), he recently received recognition as an Engineering Technician (EngTech).
This month, we had the opportunity to speak with Mike and ask him about what this means and his experience of doing an apprenticeship.
Which area of the business do you work in?
I work in WHP as a Senior CAD Technician working mainly with Tekla Structures generating 3D steel and RC models. Most recent work includes 2 Aldermanbury Square Basement Propping, Museum of London Precast Lids and UCL Gantries & Basement Propping.
Tell us more about the EngTech and what it means
My understanding of EngTech is that it gives technicians without formal qualifications but who have enough experience/knowledge the opportunity to be professionally recognised, not only with the ICE but with fellow colleagues and the wider engineering community. It’s nice to be recognised as an Engineering Technician and a good achievement on the way to completing my apprenticeship degree.
Which apprenticeship do you do with WHP?
I am currently in the first year of the BEng Civil Engineering Apprenticeship Degree at London South Bank University.
What do you enjoy most about it?
I’ve only been on the course for 5 weeks but so far, I have enjoyed the challenges of learning new subjects and developing existing knowledge gained from the Civil Engineering HNC course previously studied.
Why do you think apprenticeships are important?
I firmly believe apprenticeships are the way forward. You gain the theory from the day you spend at University each week and you then gain real world experience and knowledge from the wide range of experienced colleagues during the rest of the working week.
Would you recommend an apprenticeship with WHP and why?
I would 100% recommend an apprenticeship to anyone considering it. Being a day release course you get a better real world understanding of the field you are studying whilst being paid to learn and develop. The experience, knowledge and general support you gain from colleagues helps you to develop quicker and constantly learn.
How did you hear about the apprenticeship?
I heard about the apprenticeship through Stuart Vaughn and Tim Lohmann (of WHP). The opportunity to study the HNC was the starting point, this gave me a basic understanding of engineering. After a short break to go back and complete my Maths and English GCSEs via night school, another opportunity was given to me to continue on with the apprenticeship and start the degree course from this year.
What’s life like at WHP?
Life at WHP is good, always busy yet the team is continually supportive and helpful when needed. Considering the team had around 25 people when I started to 70+ staff now it’s definitely evolved in the (nearly) 7 years I have been here. It’s definitely a good place to work while studying the Civil Engineering apprenticeship and offers opportunities to develop and learn.
What would you say to someone about to start their apprenticeship with WHP?
Go for it – if the opportunity is given, 100% go for it. I was on the fence about continuing with the degree course, but I am glad I have continued on. It’s certainly a lot of work when trying to balance everything from work to studying and social time, but it can be done as proven by the apprentices that have already completed it.
