“It was great having the opportunity to work there” – Matt Addison, Foundation Apprentice

Next is Matt Addison, Stewarton Academy pupil, chose local Prestwick company UTC Aerospace Systems for his summer work placement. 

A Foundation Apprenticeship is a work based learning course that allows school pupils to gain a College qualification while remaining at school. The work placement is one of the key elements of the course, as pupils can put into practice the skills they have learnt.

“I am enjoying the Foundation Apprenticeship, it’s a great course. I like getting to study something different. I feel it is less focused on academics and more on skills, which I prefer.

Year 1 was quite practical based, year two is definitely more theory based. At school I am studying physics, maths and graphics. It’s not hard to study the Foundation Apprenticeship with my other school subjects. I can catch up without any difficulty if I need to.

The work placement was great. I got to see upfront how they worked with engines, inlets and thrust reversers for the V2500 and CFM engines. I got to help work on the machinery with hand tools, and learnt a lot from everyone I worked with.

The practical elements of the Foundation Apprenticeship meant I was already using most of the hand tools I was given at UTC. Having those basic practical skills meant I could complete the tasks I was asked to do.

I would really like to get an apprenticeship with UTC, it was great having the opportunity to work there. All the staff were great to work with. Before my work placement, I wasn’t sure if I wanted to go down the university route or the Modern Apprenticeship route, but now I feel I want to progress to a Modern Apprenticeship.”

Robert Paterson, Training Business Partner at UTC commented “We were very impressed with the level of skill and the enthusiasm from the Foundation Apprentices. Gaining experience such as a work placement is extremely valuable for a young person. It also gives us the opportunity to play a part in molding future engineers and hopefully encouraging them to apply for a position at UTC.”

For more information about our Foundation Apprenticeship Programmes click here.