At Magnet Schultz Ltd (MSL), the UK electric locking and holding mechanisms and solenoid sub-assemblies product company, Rory O’Ceallaigh joins in a newly-created post of Apprentice Mechanical Engineering Technician.
The firm’s new apprenticeship scheme is designed to encourage young people into engineering while learning on the job and attending college to gain a formal academic qualification. Rory, pictured, will attend Farnborough College of Technology one day a week for the next two years to complete his NVQ Level 4 in Mechanical Engineering (HNC). When he continues his studies beyond the NVQ course, it will contribute to his first year at university as the NVQ is equivalent to an HNC.
MSL says that it has been developing a flexible apprenticeship programme over the past 12 months seeking to extend its capability and capacity in design, production and engineering. Rory joined the company having completed his BTEC Level 3, gaining a distinction in Engineering along with A-level Maths and Physics at Alton College. This is his first professional role in industry.
The primary responsibility of the new post is in the production environment, but experience will be gained in MSL engineering departments to learn all aspects of the business. Rory will spend time alongside the design engineers and work on development projects that make use of CAD, the 3D printers and other state-of-the-art rapid prototyping facilities in-house at MSL. While at college, Rory will be studying academic subjects that include Maths, Engineering Science, Engineering Design and Workshop activities (milling and turning).
MSL Technical Director, Rob Sam says: “At Magnet Schultz Ltd, we want to contribute to and encourage the development of young people in engineering and recognise that University is not the best option for everyone. By tailoring the structure of our apprenticeship scheme to the individual, they can learn and also earn a salary. Rory is an exemplary example. He is very hands on and interested in all aspects of engineering. He stood out during the interview process, which included practical tests as well as interviews.”
Visit www.magnetschultz.co.uk.
