Former UTC Leeds student 16-year-old Benjamin Ryan has started an apprenticeship at Leeds-based P.E.S, which offers specialist electrical engineering services. It’s a great opportunity, as Ben says:
“I feel good about my apprenticeship. The transition to working life has been good, I’ve been learning lots of practical skills and I have a mentor who’s been in the field for 30 years.”
Alongside his work, Ben will study a Level 3 electrotechnical qualification on day release at college. He feels that the UTC has given him a head start in his career: “We did lots of practical work at the UTC using CNC machines and lathes, for example. I’ve learnt how to use them all.
“I was in engineering design, which was about designing products and then 3D printing them. You could do projects on your own during enrichment.”
Ben has decided to specialise in electrical engineering: “I think that electrical engineering theory and practical is really interesting, wiring, working out voltages. I just like learning.”
He feels he learnt a lot whilst at the UTC, not just about engineering but also how to work with employers: “I learnt how to present myself to an employer. When I went on my work experience I was very polite and asked lots of questions and that helped me get my apprenticeship. Also the longer hours here got me used to working days.
“Ultimately I think it was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made to move to UTC Leeds. I’ve met some great people, some great teachers, and now I’m going on to be an engineer!”
Summing up his experience of being at the UTC, Ben says:
“It’s been one of the highlights of my life so far.”
