Lucy Hattersley

Full name: Lucy Hattersley
Job title: Quality engineer
Company name: Stanley Black and Decker

Q. Why did an apprenticeship appeal to you?

An apprenticeship appealed to me because it gave me a chance to develop my skills outside of classroom learning and build upon my career in an industrial environment. An apprenticeship was the perfect gateway that not only allowed me to continue in-depth studies through a degree but the chance to apply my new knowledge in the workplace and bring positive change to my employer. 

Q. What are the benefits of an apprenticeship?

The main benefit of the apprenticeship in my opinion was the opportunity to study and work simultaneously. I believe it provides a fantastic balance of learning and practical application for people leaving full-time education and is a great first step into a working environment. Also, earning a wage whilst learning presents so many opportunities that may be missed should people choose another path of education.

Q. How will your apprenticeship give you the skills and knowledge you need for a rewarding career?

Through completing my apprenticeship I feel that I have gained a varied skillset, both from the content of my studies and the management of them whilst working alongside them. I can implement my subject knowledge into my job to bring positive change to the business and share new ideas. The skills developed such as managing workload, presenting work and conducting myself in a professional manner have also improved immensely through completing my apprenticeship.

Q. What has been the best part about doing an apprenticeship at the AMRC Training Centre?

Learning about a subject I am passionate about and seeing theories being used in real-life practices has been the most exciting part of my apprenticeship. To see these intricate processes at work and watch how they can have such a positive impact on a business’s operations is fantastic and gives so much hope for the future of engineering.

Q. Who inspired you to pursue a career in engineering?

I’m lucky to have been surrounded by people with a passion for engineering for much of my life, including friends and family. My Design and Technology teacher in sixth form was a pivotal part of my decision to pursue a career in industry, highlighting my spark and desire for the subject before even recognising it myself. After explaining the opportunities I had in front of me and showing what studying in this field could bring me, I made the decision to seek out an apprenticeship.

Q. What tips and/or advice would you give to other people looking to do an apprenticeship?

The key piece of advice I would give to anyone thinking of completing an apprenticeship would be to research as much as possible. It is important to know as much as you can about the roles available to you and learn about potential employers to see if they are the right fit for you.