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Award-winning apprentice Matt Tindall knew he wanted to go directly into employment from school . He began working as a rotational apprentice for Dale Power Solutions four years ago .
I wanted to be a mechanic , so did a week ’ s work experience in a car garage , but it wasn ’ t for me , so my school suggested going down the electrical route .
I didn ’ t want to carry on with full-time education , I wanted to start earning money and to see what working full-time was like ,
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but I knew I needed to carry on with my education alongside , so the apprentice route was best for me . I got a place at my local training association and found Dale Power Solutions as an apprentice provider .
I started on the shop floor as a rotational apprentice ; spending time in the different departments to see which I liked . From the shop floor , I moved into the design offices doing electrical and mechanical design work , then facilities , doing building
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maintenance and other jobs . From there , I moved into the test department and four years later I ’ m still there as it was the role I most enjoyed and suited .
I ’ ve learned a vast array of skills , including teamwork and life skills and have gained a lot of confidence . I know how to test all the products we build and can do Factory Acceptance Test inspections with customers .
I ’ ve also won several ‘ apprentice of the year ’ awards through college and , as a team
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of apprentices , we won the Brathay Challenge 2015 to become the National Apprentice Team of the Year . I ’ ve just been awarded the Highly Commended Award for BTEC Apprentice of the Year 19-plus 2018 .
An apprenticeship lets you earn while you learn , you don ’ t have expensive university bills and you get out what you put in . It might not suit everybody , but if you don ’ t want to carry on with full-time education after school it ’ s the best way to go .
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FUTURE TALENT // 55 |