From Apprentice to Permanent Engineer: Spencer’s Journey at SWDT
For Spencer Davies, an interest in engineering has taken him from studying Design Technology and Mechanical Engineering at school to building a career at the cutting edge of engineering and advanced technology.
After studying Design Technology at GCSE and Double A Level Mechanical Engineering, Spencer chose to continue his journey with an apprenticeship at South West Durham Training (SWDT).
“I was drawn to SWDT because of its overall reputation and because past colleagues had completed their apprenticeships there when they were younger.”
Spencer began his Engineering Technician – Technical Support Technician apprenticeship on day release at SWDT, combining his college studies with valuable hands-on experience in the workplace.
His apprenticeship opportunity came after he spotted a job advertised online. He was particularly interested in the opportunity to work with the niche machining capabilities of diamond machining and optics.
Today, Spencer works at Durham University’s Centre for Advanced Instrumentation, supporting projects through mechanical design, manufacturing and metrology.
Spencer says his training at SWDT has given him practical skills that he has been able to use throughout his apprenticeship.
“The course has given me practical skills which I have been using at work over the last three years and has helped me develop my understanding of engineering principles, health and safety, and much more.”
Alongside his technical knowledge, Spencer has also developed skills that are important in any engineering career, including teamwork, attention to detail and confidence.
Working to extremely small tolerances has helped him develop a real focus on precision, while working as part of a team has strengthened his communication and collaboration skills.
“I have gained confidence in my work and technical knowledge, as well as my attention to detail, which is important when working to such small tolerances.”
For Spencer, the support he received from both SWDT and his employer has played an important part in his success.
From support in the classroom to guidance with technical reports, SWDT helped Spencer develop the knowledge and skills needed to progress in his apprenticeship.
His workplace also provided the time, equipment and opportunities he needed to put his learning into practice giving him the chance to use real workplace experiences within his coursework.
Spencer has now taken the next step in his career, securing a permanent position at Durham University.
Rather than stopping there, he is continuing to build his skills and knowledge through an HNC and degree apprenticeship programme, while exploring the opportunities available to him at Durham University.
His journey is a great example of where an engineering apprenticeship can take you combining industry experience, practical skills and recognised qualifications while helping you build a career.
Thinking about your next step?
Whether you’re interested in engineering, want to gain hands-on experience or are looking for a route into a career while continuing your education, an apprenticeship could be the next step for you.
Want to find out more about our courses and apprenticeships? Head to our Full Course Guide to explore your options and find out where your next step could take you.
