Apprenticeship offers entry to engineering

Martina Bilardi is building herself a promising career in the traditionally male dominated engineering industry using an apprenticeship as the platform to success.

Martina Bilardi is building herself a promising career in the traditionally male dominated engineering industry using an apprenticeship as the platform to success.

The 20-year-old is employed as an Engineering Technician at Bury-based William Hare, the UK's premier independent structural steelwork contractor, which serves a global market and generates an annual turnover of GBP 80 million.

Bilardi initially gained a BTEC building studies qualification after studying for two years at Blackburn College.

She then joined William Hare as an Apprentice and completed an NVQ Level 2 in welding and fabrication after teaming up with local training specialist Alliance Learning.

Today she is studying for an NVQ Level 3 in technical services with the support of Alliance Learning and is also studying for a Higher National Certificate (HNC) in civil engineering (with a structural bias) as part of a day release course at Bolton College.

Bilardi believes her apprenticeship has been the ideal route to achieving her career goals, and commented: "It's not like being stuck at college all the time which can be a bit one dimensional".

"You gain real experience of work, from people who have the skills you can learn from people who are always happy to help and will pass on their expertise and knowledge".

"You also get paid which is very important and gain an ideal insight into your chosen career path".

Bilardi is studying at home to achieve her NVQ Level 3 but receives regular assistance and support from her Alliance Learning mentor.

"He visits every six weeks and acts as a guide to help out with advice and solve any problems".

"Alliance Learning is an excellent training provider".

"The people are very knowledgeable and the organisation has played a key role in helping me build my career", she explained.

William Hare operates in all the major structural market sectors including oil and gas, LNG, petrochemical, pharmaceuticals, power, nuclear, civil, bridgework, airport, infrastructure, commercial and retail developments and it's a world where Bilardi really feels at home.

"It's brilliant working here".

"I really love my job and am involved in the computer-aided design of bolts, plates and connections which are then manufactured on the shop floor".

Bilardi has always wanted to work in the construction industry and wasn't fazed by the traditional male dominated working environment.

"I have always found construction very interesting and the potential to earn good money was another big attraction".

"There are one or two ladies that work here although not that many compared to the men".

"When I started here I spent six months on the shop floor which was a very good grounding so that I could fully understand all aspects of the business".

"An apprenticeship gives you a genuine taste of what working life is really like".

There are many different courses available from Alliance Learning which is a charitable organisation managed by a group of member companies - and provides vocational training and advice for businesses and local people.

Complementing a modern HQ at Horwich are satellite centres in the town centres of Bolton, Bury and Leigh.

It specialises in apprenticeships and commercial training courses.

Alliance Learning's Chief Executive, David Guthrie said there are over 800 young people currently training with Alliance Learning in the Greater Manchester area, working with 390 local companies.

"An Apprenticeship is work-based training working towards a nationally recognised qualification".

"It aims to develop an individual's knowledge and skills through National Vocational Qualifications and key skills".

"NVQs are designed around the skills people use at work and cover all types and levels of work".

"As part of the training programme, apprentices will also be developing their key skills which address the personal development of an individual and cover: communication, application of number, information technology, personal skills and problem solving".

"These standards are set by industry lead bodies".

He added: "It is very gratifying to learn of the way an apprenticeship has helped Martina to elevate into the role she enjoys today".

"It shows the value and relevance of the skills acquired which have made a real difference and put her on the road to a very successful career".

Training can be delivered either by block/day release or evening classes at one of Alliance Learning's specialist training centres or even at places of work.

A wide range of occupational areas comprise: engineering, ductwork, computer aided design, motor vehicle repair, early years care and education, care, customer service, administration, retail and also warehousing and distribution.

A careful selection is vital for both employers and young people, according to Guthrie who concluded: "Our recruitment and selection process aims to attract and select apprentices who are best suited to the work and training we can offer".

"We always carefully match an employer's requirements with the skills and experience of available candidates to ensure only the most suitable are shortlisted for interview".

Back to top