Role: Apprentice
Company: Greiner Gold Apprentice
Track Record: Left school post GCSEs to join the Greiner Gold course
What does your job entail?
My job as a Greiner Gold apprentice involves me working for thirteen weeks at a time in eight different technical areas within the company. These areas include printing maintenance, print technician, thermoforming maintenance, process technician, site services, tool room, electrical maintenance and the design office.
Is it 9-5?
It is not a 9-5 job. Monday and Tuesday are spent at South West College Dungannon studying the theory side of the course and the other three days are spent in Greiner learning through practical work. When I am in work hours are half past seven to four o’clock.
How did you get into this line of work?
I got into this line of work through reading a leaflet advertising the Greiner Gold scheme during my GCSE year of secondary school. I decided to send in an application form as I have always enjoyed working with my hands as well as the academic side of things. After sending in the application form I was invited to attend a series of assessment centres and finally did an interview at the company and got accepted onto the programme.
Outline your career to date?
I left school this year at the age of 16 having completed my GCSE’s and went straight into the Greiner Gold course. During my career in Greiner to date I have completed my first thirteen weeks in printing maintenance. In this area I have learnt many new skills and practices specific to the department, not to mention a host of other engineering skills that I know will prove invaluable throughout my engineering career.
Tell us about your qualifications/training.
To date I have achieved 10 GCSE’s and I am currently studying for the qualifications outlined by the Gold program.me
What qualities are required for your job – personal and professional?
The qualities required for the job, in my opinion, are to be a good communicator, a team player and always to work hard and to the best of your ability. It is a real benefit if you enjoy practical work as well as academic work.
What is the best advice you ever received?
The best advice I have ever received is to always work hard because hard work is always rewarded.
What do you like to do in your spare time?
In my spare time I enjoy play football and golf.
Tell us an interesting fact about yourself.
I am currently restoring a tractor.
Who has inspired you most in your life?
I would say my parents have inspired me most in my life. As they have both always taught me to have respect for who ever I meet throughout my life and the importance of working hard.