'My apprenticeship has set me up for life'

A newly-qualified engineer says his decision to pursue an apprenticeship over a traditional university degree has left him "set up for life”.

Alex Whinfrey-Gibson, 22, completed an engineering degree apprenticeship at the University of Sheffield’s Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre (AMRC) and is now encouraging others to sign up.

Apprenticeships combine work and study, with participants receiving a wage and having their tuition fees paid for by the government and their employer.

Mr Whinfrey-Gibson said: “You are earning money and you really are setting yourself up nicely, not only for the rest of early adulthood but the rest of your life."

He said: “If you were doing your traditional degree, you would get a bunch of knowledge, not a lot of skill, and your workplace experience is completely neglected, whereas with an apprenticeship you are getting all three.

“When you come out of your degree, you are far more employable because you either already have a job or have three years of experience to find a new job."

He said he had also benefited from the connections made during his apprenticeship as well as learning other valuable life skills

“I had to learn how to run a house, put food on the table, keep fit, do a degree and work a job, but it broadens you as a person," he said.

“You are three years ahead in your career, your earning potential is higher than other graduates and you are learning life skills.”

Louise Cowling, head of apprenticeship, programmes and delivery at the AMRC, said they were particularly keen to hear from female applicants.

“About 12% of our intake are women, which is about the national average for females employed in manufacturing," she said.

“We are working hard, along with a lot of the employees that we work with, to increase female participation and we start very early.

“I think there is almost a bias where some girls might think engineering and manufacturing is not for them, but if they have the aptitude, the interest, the ability to problem solve, they will enjoy technology.”

Lisa Wyld, who teaches engineering at Doncaster University Technical College, said more female students should consider the sector.

“Engineering and manufacturing does not tend to be on their radar but I do think the numbers are increasing," she said.

“A lot of it is to do with awareness and breaking down a lot of the stereotypes. Girls perhaps are not aware of the job opportunities and the progression in these sectors that have been predominantly male.”

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