It’s National Apprenticeship Week and at Analox we fully support apprentices in the workplace, so to mark the occasion we are putting the spotlight on our very own apprentices.
National Apprenticeship Week is co-ordinated by the National Apprenticeship Service and is designed to celebrate apprenticeships and the positive impact they have on individuals, business and the wider economy.
This year it runs from 14 to 18 March and the theme for 2016 is ‘Rise to the top’, focusing on progression and opportunity as a way to showcase the rich and diverse apprenticeship offer, from traineeships right through to higher and degree apprenticeships.
Apprenticeships are available in 1500 job roles, covering more than 170 industries and in the 2014/2015 tax year there were 871,800 funded apprentices.
Jack Price joined Analox in July 2013 as an Apprentice Research and Development Technician and has now successfully completed his apprenticeship to take on the role of Electronics Technician.
His role as an apprentice covered both electronic and mechanical disciplines, as he assembled and checked electronic circuit boards and mechanical assembly equipment.
Jack was involved in developing, assembling and testing prototype devices for function, performance and compliance with standards; and he also set up, conducted, and documented gas sensor performance tests.
Jack said: “I started as a general engineering apprentice and was allowed to experience different roles to see what field I would like to specialise in and Analox were extremely supportive of my decision, putting me through the relevant courses and even having mini seminars to reinforce what I had learnt. I have always loved the relaxed working environment and the personal feel of working in a smaller team, it makes me feel my suggestions are heard and valued.”
In his new role Jack now works primarily on schematic capture and PCB designs and is responsible for the upkeep of the PCB design tool, rolling out updates to colleagues, and contributing to design procedures and peer reviews.
Jack is also responsible for the day-to-day smooth running of the engineering lab area and ensuring equipment is properly maintained and enforcing good practice in the lab area.
Jack added: “I chose an apprenticeship as you get paid while you learn. I was influenced by my older brother as he previously did an apprenticeship, and now my younger brother is doing one.
I would like to go to University at some point, but I believe apprenticeships are a great way to gain access to a good job.”