After completing my A-levels, I was faced with one of the hardest decisions in life – choosing what I wanted to do for the rest of it.
An apprenticeship is one of the most rewarding ways to launch a career. Unlike a traditional university route, it puts you straight into the workplace, learning the skills that actually matter in your chosen industry. I had always preferred a more hands-on approach to work and enjoyed working in a team, so when I discovered the opportunity to become an Apprentice Test Technician at Sheffield Forgemasters, I was intrigued.
After a really positive interview and being offered the position in the same week, I proved I was more than ready to take on the challenge and become a part of something bigger. When I joined the company shortly after its acquisition by the UK Ministry of Defence, this would see my department grow and benefit from the investment. Modernising and future-proofing itself for decades to come, making me believe I joined Sheffield Forgemasters at the best time.
Whilst at the company, I received high-level training at the University of Sheffield’s AMRC Training Centre, where I learned various industry-relevant modules and skills such as CAD, 3D printing, robotics, and project planning. Having an alternating schedule between going to work and training allowed me to build relationships at work and become familiar with the machines, whilst also learning valuable skills. The support provided by my team at Sheffield Forgemaster has been exceptional, and I am thankful to have such encouraging peers adopting me as part of their team.
Being a Test Technician Apprentice at Sheffield Forgemasters allows me to work with different machines to test parts produced in-house as well as commercial pieces. Importantly, the ongoing learning continues with me having the opportunity to be trained up on different machines and be a part of projects that allow me to talk to different departments and people around the company, expanding my knowledge.
Earning a real wage, valuable skills, and a team that has your back, Sheffield Forgemasters offers an apprenticeship experience I would recommend to anyone interested in one for their future.
Photo Caption: Apprentice Test Technician, Safiyyah Ahmed
