Stanley has been with Space Productiv for a year now and has become a valuable asset to the company. He consistently brings innovative ideas to the table, approaches learning with a strong and positive attitude, and remains open to developing new skills. His willingness to support and collaborate with his peers has also made a meaningful impact on the team.

We asked Stanley about his apprenticeship and his time at Space Productiv so far.

How did you find your apprenticeship opportunity? Was it through a program, networking, or another method?

I found my apprenticeship through word of mouth and was recommended to go to the Appris training centre which helps young engineers get their career started by finding them apprenticeships and they also teach learners as-well at their training centre in Laisterdyke. 

What’s your day-to-day experience like as an apprentice? Can you walk us through a typical day? 

My typical day as an apprentice is arriving at work at 6:50am I will come in 10 minutes early so I’m ready to work by 7am. In those 10 minutes, I will get changed into my overalls and boots, put my lunch in the fridge and get ready to start my day in an allocated station within one of the units. Once I am aware of my station for the day, I will collect a timesheet and get on with the jobs that I have been asked to do by either Brett (Operations Manager) or Mark (Factory Manager). I will then finish at 15:45 and clean my work area for 10/15 mins then go home for 4pm.

What kind of support or mentorship do you receive from your college or colleagues?

I get tons of support from my peers, not just at work but also from college as they help me understand the engineering world and heathy habits I need to have in workplace to ensure that I have a positive working attitude towards the workplace but, most importantly the company.

Have you faced any challenges so far in your apprenticeship? If so, how have you overcome them?

The only challenges I have come across as an apprentice is having the courage to face the unknown and putting ideas across. I feel that a lot of people undermine the potential and knowledge that young apprentices have nowadays however, I want to overcome this narrative each day by showing my full potential in my abilities by taking on more responsibilities.

What skills have you gained through your apprenticeship that you didn’t expect to? 

I have learnt many skills since starting my apprenticeship at Space Productiv however, one skill I’ve enjoyed learning the most is how to operate the Robot Welder and how to fix a Robot Welding machine. I am also learning how to programme so I can understand the potential the Robot Welder has.

How do you balance work, learning, and personal time? Is it difficult to manage everything? 

Sometimes it can be difficult to manage everything but with the help of family and peers it’s a lot easier to deal with everything!

Do you feel your apprenticeship is preparing you for long-term career success? 

Yes, the course is showing me the basics of how to become a Welder and Metal Fabricator and it’s also setting me up for many more job opportunities in the future which I appreciate because I’ve always wanted to be able to work abroad and engineering is doing that for me.

What advice would you give someone considering an apprenticeship?

if you like getting your hands dirty and problem solving, I would fully recommend doing it because it’s a great way to start your engineering career and it’s an amazing opportunity that you shouldn’t miss out on. 

What’s been the most rewarding part of being an apprentice so far? 

The most rewarding part of the job in my opinion is the fact I get to learn something new each week and the relationships I have made along the way with my colleagues and the fact I’m earning my own money that I’ve worked for that I can spend on anything I like makes me feel so independent.