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Our Stamford apprentices

Jospeh's Story

I'm Joseph Stephenson and I'm one of the 15 current apprentices working at STAMFORD | AvK's Stamford plant. I wanted to share a bit about what we do as apprentices and what I've gained from my time and experiences I've had so far.

"First, we currently have 14 engineering apprentices and 1 business apprentice. We're currently taking on new apprentices who will be joining us in September 2017. We are all on 4 year apprenticeships, which have been described as a very long job interview. As engineering apprentices we're not provided with a set job to be preparing for over the 4 years, we instead spend the first 3 years completing rotations of different functions of the business. This helps us to gather not only a knowledge of how the whole business operates but also allows us to find areas that we would like specialize in.

Alongside this we also spend a day each week working on a team project. We currently have 2 of these taking place. I am involved with the project to repair and restore a 1930's Merryweather Fire Engine that used to serve Stamford town. Our other team is repairing an old Cummins engine from Nene Valley Railway.

We are also encouraged and given the opportunities to get involved in a variety of events and schemes, these can range from taking part in EEEC (Every Employee Every Community) events, working with local primary schools on the Greenpower Go-Kart Scheme to mentoring sixth form students with a company based project. Taking part in these give us a chance to learn more and give us good exposure in the business while also giving the† business a positive impact on the local community. If you'd like to see any updates about the apprentices why not follow us on our new Twitter account:

@CGTApprentices

I, myself, joined Cummins in September 2015 and have spent the last 2 years doing my best to make the most of the opportunities that have come my way. I've gathered a wide knowledge of our product and procedures through my placements which have helped me gather an idea of how the business interacts and what role I'd like to take to contribute to this.

I seized the chance this year to lead a mentoring scheme known as EES (Engineering Education Scheme). While I was in school I took part in the scheme and it's what inspired me to pursue an engineering career; it's nice to be able to give back in a similar way. I worked alongside application and Product engineers to provide students at Stamford School with a real life company based project. We taught them about the product we make and skills they would need to manage their project. From this opportunity I have become a member of the EPT (Education Partnership Team) and completed STEM ambassador training. These are two things I'm proud to be a part of and push going forward."

If you'd like any more information about the apprentices or have an opportunity we can be involved in please contact Marc Stanier on +44 (0) 1780 686 113 or†[email protected]. If you'd like any more information regarding the Engineering education Scheme please contact myself (Joseph Stephenson) on +44 (0) 1733 395444 or [email protected]