Kieren Kirwan, 23 from Shard End in Birmingham, has completed an NVQ Level 3 Diploma Installing Electrotechnical Systems and Equipment apprenticeship with multi-disciplinary engineering firm, adi Group, which has a base in Castle Bromwich, Birmingham.
What led you to choosing the Apprenticeship route into engineering?
It was a chance to gain the skills and technical know-how to become one of the best in my field. Achieving such a high level of skill will lead me to a higher salary and greater job opportunities. This will mean that my future is secure.
What have you learnt during your Apprenticeship with adi Group?
Year One:
In my first year of my apprenticeship I was assisting multiple electricians with installing various containment and power/network circuits for our main customer JLR. This helped me learn the basics of installing and wiring circuits which reflected in my college practical assessments. I travelled to multiple sites which helped me gained evidence for my log book and helped with understanding the process of completing a installation from start to finish.
Year Two:
In my second year I completed my NVQ Level 2 Diploma Installing Electrotechnical Systems and Equipment Apprenticeship and moved onto my NVQ Level 3. With the NVQ Level 3, I began to understand technical information like Circuit & wiring diagrams and was able to fill out documentation for installations such as risk assessments & method statements. I also gained the skills and confidence from my first year of the apprenticeship to be trusted to complete small jobs on site.
Year Three:
In my third year I completed my NVQ Level 3 Diploma Installing Electrotechnical Systems and Equipment at JTL college. My role and skills progressed further to producing lighting layouts for vehicle inspection booths and dealing with customers with any quires they have. I also gained the knowledge to test all types of power/networks circuits and if a fault occurred I would know why it happened and rectify the fault.
What’s next for you now that you have complete your Apprenticeship at adi Group?
Now that I have completed my apprenticeship I have been offered a full time job as a Lean manufacturing & Design Support Project Engineer which I have accepted as the skills that I have learned will help with future jobs and designs.
From this job role I will soon be able to run projects with a small team behind me, place orders for components and materials, regularly speaking to customers to make sure that all their requirements and issued have been resolved and making sure that the project runs smoothly to meet deadlines.
What advice do you have for anyone currently doing an Apprenticeship?
- Use your mentors for advice, they have an abundance of knowledge to impart and more often than not enjoy helping you understand.
- Asking questions to your peers is key in understanding your job role, the only stupid question is the one not asked!
- Always give a 100% effort and commitment in every task you put your mind to
- Use a notepad to write down anything new you’ve learnt
- Learn outside of work about your chosen field and expand your knowledge to have a greater understanding of your job role.
For more information about adi Group apprenticeships and careers please visit www.adiltd.co.uk/careers.