Apprentice Toolmaker Review

Plant Swindon is a pressing facility, and my job as a toolmaker is to maintain the press tooling in order to keep it operating at the required standard. On a day-to-day basis I repair the tooling by performing grinding, welding and machining operations, as well as manufacturing new tooling from castings.

The apprenticeship program is very well structured, there are several placements that I go on to learn about different areas within the business, these are usually a few months long which is enough time to gain a good amount of knowledge in each placement. These placements range from the quality and scanning department, maintenance, production, tool making on a press line and in the tool shop.

My training manager is always available when I need support or help with anything. I further have a mentor in the tool room that is always available to support me when needed. The work force are all really friendly so I know I can approach a large amount of people when I need support.

My training provider is New College Swindon - North Star Campus. The lecturers are really friendly and are always happy to offer support when needed. I know I can pop in anytime or email/message and will receive any help I require. I really enjoy performing my studies at New College Swindon.

I believe the qualifications I am performing allow me to understand a wide variety of different engineering practices. This allows me to perform my role better as I can put this knowledge into practice. Specifically, turning, milling, welding ad grinding within college allowed me to have skills before coming into the workplace that I could then build on.

Yes

I would recommend the apprenticeship to anyone with a keen interest in engineering. This is because it has allowed me to develop myself in a positive manner, has allowed me to learn and develop many skills and has allowed me to meet some incredible people. I look forward to having a long career in engineering.