Apprentice Interview - Nathan
10th July 2023Here at ACE Winches, we are passionate about investing in young people and supporting them to develop professionally. Our apprentices gain hands-on experience in the business, and the opportunity to further their education while earning a wage.
We caught up with our latest recruit, Nathan, who has come on board as a Business and Administration Modern Apprentice. During his 4 years at ACE Winches, he will have the opportunity to work in different areas of the organisation, and his first port of call is the Projects team. Read on to find out how Nathan is finding his apprenticeship experience so far...
Can you tell us a little bit about yourself?
I’m really into technology and have taught myself a lot about programming, cybersecurity, and computer science. My family is also very musical – I’ve been playing bagpipes for 7 years. There are competitions all over the world, and I’ve been invited to play at a festival in Germany this year, which I’m excited about. Proud to be the only person from my area to be invited along.
Are you currently in school or college?
I left school recently, after S5, as I wanted to get straight into the workplace. I didn’t want to wait around and was keen to start hands-on learning in a business environment. I found out about the apprenticeship at ACE Winches on their Open Day and joined after that.
Why did you choose a Modern Apprenticeship?
I chose an apprenticeship, as I found I struggled to focus at school. With an apprenticeship, I am gaining real-world skills and learning how business works, all while earning a wage. I’ve previously worked in a chip shop and completed a placement in a law firm, which has given me a good amount of experience to take into my role at ACE Winches.
What have you learned so far at ACE Winches?
I am currently with the projects team and have been learning about how everything operates, from the start of a project to completion. I’ve taken a tour of the yard and workshops and have learned a lot about the different bits of equipment. I’m picking up something new every day, which has been enjoyable. As my apprenticeship goes on, I will get to experience different areas of the business.
What is your favourite part about working at ACE?
Definitely the environment here. I feel really comfortable and I’m enjoying working with the team. I’m excited to come into the office and look forward to my day. Being able to learn new skills has been great, and I feel I work to the best of my ability in a supportive work environment.
Can you tell us what you hope to achieve in your time here?
I am hoping to work through the apprenticeship, pick up new skills, and hopefully gain a permanent role in the company. Not sure what area I would like to go into yet, but definitely interested in something related to business administration. It’s great that I get to experience different areas of the company and figure out what I would like to specialise in.
What would you say to someone considering an apprenticeship?
Definitely do an apprenticeship if you get the chance. It’s a great experience, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to gain hands-on experience so early in my career. If you’re not interested in university, it may be the right route for you, and you can also take on an apprenticeship that includes college/university learning. There are so many options available now, so do what works best for you.