Here is the next installment in our "A Week In The Life Of" series!
I’m George, I’m 23 and I live in Scarborough, North Yorkshire. I work for Nestle Confectionary in York as an Electro-mechanical Engineer. I started at Nestle as an apprentice at 18 years old after going to my local Sixth Form College where I completed A-Level Maths, Biology, and Law. These specific subjects were not required in order to apply but I think that it definitely helped me to secure my job.
After finishing Sixth Form I applied for a few engineering apprenticeships within the local area, however, Nestle was my first choice and luckily I secured the position. The apprenticeship I completed with Nestle was Electrical and Mechanical Engineering, meaning that I completed Level 3 qualifications in both areas. The apprenticeship took four years to complete, the first year was mainly theory-based at college, and the other three years were working as an apprentice within the factory with one day per week at college. Whilst working at Nestle I have also completed my 18th Edition Wiring Regulation and 2391 Inspection and Test.
After completing my apprenticeship I secured a full-time position with the company. I now work 12-hour shifts on 2 days, 2 nights, 4 off-basis. In the factory that I work in, we produce KitKat, Aero, Polo, Yorkie, and Milkybar. As part of my job, I complete both planned (servicing and maintaining) and unplanned maintenance (repairing in-use equipment which is broken). I enjoy my job as it is practical and requires a large amount of problem-solving which makes it interesting.
My workplace has continued manufacturing and I have been working as normal throughout the Coronavirus outbreak as we were classed as essential due to being a food manufacturer. Measures have been put in place to maintain social distancing and screens have been implemented where possible.
If I were to advise someone on getting a job in the engineering industry I would say the most important things are problem-solving skills and experience. This does not have to be workplace experience, but something you do in your spare time which will show you have a basic understanding of the job and what it will entail. In my case, I think the subjects I studied at college (especially Maths) demonstrates my problem-solving skills. In terms of practical experience, I had a few years of employment experience as I had worked in a local shop from the age of 16, I also used to fix broken phones in my spare time which, again, demonstrates problem-solving and the ability to put this into practice. The engineering industry is very competitive so it is important to do as much as you can to set yourself apart from other candidates, especially in the interview process. Prior to my interview, I researched the company and the job specification so I felt confident answering any questions relating to this. I also think anything you can do to help build your CV is really important as it shows that you have the initiative to go one step further.
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