HMK is backing this year’s National Apprenticeship Week by sharing our own apprentice success stories.
This week is National Apprenticeship Week, which runs from February 5 – 11. The theme is ‘Skills for Life’ and it aims to celebrates the value, benefit and opportunity that apprenticeships can bring, for both individuals and businesses.
Here at HMK, we run a successful apprenticeship programme offering the opportunity for young people to learn new skills and build their future careers.
Meet our newest apprentice cohort:
Mckenzie Goodridge
McKenzie joined the HMK Team last September and is studying a Level 4 Apprenticeship as an Engineering Manufacturing Technician. The 42-month course is run in conjunction with Newcastle and Staffordshire College Group, and Mckenzie is also working towards a BTEC Level 4 in Engineering.
Mckenzie, aged 20, is enjoying the hands-on experience and support he gets alongside the HMK team of engineers.
He said: “I’m enjoying the apprenticeship as I can learn from the experienced engineers at HMK, like Nathan and Mike, whilst both working and learning in college. There’s a good work to college balance with plenty of support from both the college and HMK, allowing me to develop my skills as an engineer.
“I went down the apprenticeship route due to the appeal of being able to earn while I learn. To others who might be thinking about an apprenticeship, I would highly recommend it - it allows you to learn from experienced colleagues whilst gaining qualifications and earning a wage, and avoiding any debt usually gained from higher education.”
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Billy Finneron
Billy, aged 18, is our Business Administration apprentice and joined the HMK Team last June. The apprenticeship is run in conjunction with Macclesfield College and Billy attends online sessions with his course tutors while working and gaining real-life experience in the HMK office in Congleton.
Billy started down the apprenticeship route after deciding college didn’t suit his learning style.
He explained: “After I finished school, I went to college for a year but realised that college wasn’t for me. I’m a more practical learner so decided that an apprenticeship would be a better fit for me, allowing me to learn on the job.
“I’m enjoying being a member of the HMK Team with my own responsibilities, allowing me to contribute to the business. Alongside this, I’m enjoying taking on a range of different challenges and building up my skillset, and if I come up against any problems, there’s always someone willing to help me to overcome them.
“An apprenticeship is the perfect opportunity to learn on the job and develop a wide range of skills which you can apply to all aspects of life.”
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Gary Kitchin, Managing Director at HMK Automation, added: “We’re very proud of our own home-grown apprenticeship and training programme here at HMK - we really believe in the value of apprenticeships, which have huge benefits for both the apprentices and the organisations they’re working with.
“The skills and expertise of the HMK Team is one of our greatest strengths, so by investing in apprentices, we can help nurture our workforce of the future, while giving young people the opportunity to develop the skills and knowledge required for a rewarding career.
“It’s a pleasure to welcome Mckenzie and Billy to the team and to support them to grow and develop and achieve their full potential.”
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