CforLP

Lifelong leadership learning in Cumbria

Apprentice Experience – Aaron Groggins

Aaron Groggins is a CE&I Apprentice at Sellafield Ltd, and member of the Cumbria Future Leaders network. Read his apprenticeship journey below.

Tell us about your background, and what apprenticeship you are doing…

I studied my GCSEs at St Benedict’s Catholic High School. Following the completion of my GCSEs, I left school at 16 to become an Electrical Design Apprentice. I currently work at Sellafield; whilst studying at Lakes College on my employer funded Higher National Diploma.

Why did you choose an apprenticeship over university? 

Apprenticeships provide a unique opportunity that cannot be found at university alone. The balance between theoretical and practical skills whilst working alongside experienced people in your field will help enhance your skill set to allow you to reach a higher level of professionalism.  Apprenticeships also offer fully funded degrees/further training opportunities, all you must do is work to the best of your ability! And… Learn while you get paid!!!

Why did you choose to stay in Cumbria? 

Cumbria delivers some of the best apprentice training and support around – there are so many excellent opportunities currently and many that are proposed to position Cumbria fantastically, allowing you to develop your skills and knowledge further.  Cumbria is a Hub for many local, UK wide and global companies, with significant potential to transition into many sectors and various roles.

When will you complete your programme?

I will complete my apprenticeship in 2024 – where I will have obtained my Level 3 (2021 completion) and Level 5 apprenticeship (2024 completion). I will also have my HNC and HND in electrical and electronic engineering, along with many other training programmes.

What are your next steps? What do you hope to achieve from this programme?

Being an apprentice is fantastic as it allows me to meet many people from various backgrounds and continually develop my skillset to work toward being a professional in my sector.  I’m confident the programme will have provided me with the training and knowledge passed from experts to help progress into a subject expert/area leader.

What advice would you give your younger self? What advice would you give someone thinking about doing an apprenticeship?

Apprenticeships are extremely resilient, no matter the global struggles you will always have support behind you, go for that apprenticeship and you will never regret it!!  If you are still unsure, there is always work experience to give you a feel for the fantastic openings that Apprenticeships create.  The sky is not your limit, it’s just the beginning.

Thank you to Aaron for sharing his story. Do you have a question about apprenticeships? Leave a comment below.

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Lifelong Leadership Learning in Cumbria