An Apprenticeship with Olmec-what could it mean for me?

Liam started looking for an apprenticeship opportunity as soon as he left secondary school.  He had chosen to complete an Open Day at HETA where he got some experience in several fields within Engineering. This helped him to realise that his main interest was a career in Electrical Engineering. He applied to complete a course at HETA, completed their entry requirement tests and was accepted. Through HETA he applied for Electrical Apprenticeship placements. One of these was with Olmec. Liam hasn’t looked back since.

We talked to Liam and asked him to tell us about the role of Electrical Apprentice at Olmec and what it has meant for him…

“ Although I got good grades in school, I always preferred ‘hands on’ learning and my trial day at HETA reinforced my Electrical bias.  When the opportunity came up for an interview for an Electrical apprenticeship with Olmec, I researched the work they produce and it really interested me.  I went to talk to them and had a tour around the site.  I had other interviews, but when I was offered the role at Olmec I chose it above others.

It was a good decision.  The 100% support of the whole team and especially my peers has meant that the learning required has been interesting, challenging and well-supported. The influence and willingness of colleagues to share their experience and skills fuelled my appetite for the role. 

I spent my first year learning basic skills at HETA, but the remaining 3 years have been on site at Olmec. As an apprentice in the workplace, I learned how to read electrical drawings, worked on small panel projects and assisted my colleagues, but now I am qualified, I work on my own projects, from initial design, programming, communicating with customers, to installing and commissioning the work.  I regularly visit customer sites, and have travelled within UK, Europe (France and Switzerland) and Internationally (Costa Rica and China).

I enjoy the challenge of the role; the constant need to think of different solutions to the numerous issues arising daily. I think of programming as a puzzle that can be solved in many ways. No two days are the same.

Upon completion of my 4 year Apprenticeship I achieved my HNC in Electrical and Electronic Engineering and MOET Standard level 3 as well as other courses that Olmec supported me to complete which enhanced my role. Olmec then offered me the opportunity of several paths for my future career with them; Vision Engineer, Controls Engineer, Electrical Designer or Panel Builder/Electrician. I hope to go on to complete an Electrical and Electronic Engineering Degree with Olmec’s support.

I can definitely recommend an apprenticeship to a school leaver. You gain educational qualifications as well as hands-on experience. Of course, being paid to do it is a bonus and for me much more appealing than having a student loan debt! My personal experience of working within Olmec has been extremely positive. I am now one of the people that get asked the questions, rather than the one asking them, but there is always something new to learn.”

Find out more about Apprenticeship roles at Olmec here