Bright, ambitious and determined, Davina knew that she learned faster and more effectively through practice than within a traditional classroom environment, and so joined our apprenticeship programme at the AMTC to pursue her love of engineering.
After discovering her passion and talent for robotics, Davina is following a specialised apprenticeship pathway as part of her employer’s business strategy to deliver more complex automation solutions through a highly skilled, highly flexible and future-proof workforce.
As well as gaining invaluable work experience alongside exceptional practical skills and knowledge, Davina has used her apprenticeship to develop personally as well as professionally. We talked to her about her journey, and the successes she has achieved through the programme so far.
Why did you choose an apprenticeship?
I chose an apprenticeship because working practically appealed to me much more than learning within the confines of a classroom. I have always felt constricted within a school environment and so, for me, finding a good quality, practical training provider like the MTC was essential to maximise my progression.
Did you have a particular career in mind when you made your decision? If so, what and why?
I have always been interested in building things and I knew from the get-go that I wanted to study engineering, but I didn’t know which particular field I wanted to specialise in. My father was an automotive engineer, and so I have always naturally leaned towards that. However, one of things that attracted me to the MTC is that they offer so many different modules, from additive manufacturing to machining, robotics to fluid power, electrical assembly and many more. This variety gave me the opportunity and freedom to explore in my first year, and through that journey I discovered my passion and talent for robotics, which is now my specialist focus. I love it.
What did you learn at the MTC?
I developed a huge range of technical skills through the first year of my apprenticeship! These include manual machining, hand fitting, hydraulics, pneumatics and hydraulics, engine assembly, additive manufacturing, electrical assembly, some basic coding skills, mechanical principles, how to use CAD independently, and of course robotics, amongst lots more too. It’s such a different environment to school, which has also helped me to learn how to conduct myself in a workplace. This experience has massively increased my confidence.
How has the apprenticeship programme been beneficial to you and your career?
I have always enjoyed making things and love the focus of a practical challenge. My apprenticeship experience has already exceeded my expectations, and in fact has made me a different person. As someone motivated by validation and recognition, I use the constant feedback throughout the apprenticeship training to continuously improve my performance. This has also helped to give me a sense of direction and purpose, further motivating me to progress along a long-term career path.
When I began my apprenticeship, I really struggled to control my anxiety. I have overcome these challenges with the MTC’s support, including a personal mentor, who first helped me to build my confidence and then encouraged me to excel. This personal development has been as important and transformational to me as my technical training.
What would you say are the benefits and what advice would you offer to those looking to apply to the MTC apprenticeship programme?
There are so many! The wide range of modules means you can get some experience in all fields. This gives you the room to explore, allowing you to find your ideal specialism. The training facilities are the very best, with modern equipment, and the training team really care and always try their best to ensure you are reaching your full potential. If you are finding something difficult, they will take the time to give you one-on-one support and guidance. The MTC provides personal feedback on a weekly basis, so it’s easy to see where you can improve or to understand where you are strongest and already excelling. They’re also committed to recognising and celebrating success through things like Apprentice of the Month Awards. In short, if you are committed and work hard, the MTC will make sure you are fully supported to be the best you can be.
What do you enjoy most about your work?
I enjoy the fact that I have had the opportunity to discover a passion that I enjoy, and then to have a job in that field that means I learn more about it every day. I am so fortunate to work in a close team environment – I like the fact that everyone knows everyone and so if I ever need help, I feel confident to go and ask the right person for support. My working environment is clean and each job that comes through the door is a new project, which keeps my work varied and interesting.