Meet Kienan, our newest Apprentice

Name: Kienan Walsh

Job Title: Mechanical Maintenance Engineer Apprentice

 

Why did you decide to go down the Apprenticeship road?

I am hands on and didn’t want to sit in a classroom all day. I am studying in the South West College, their NVQ level 3 in Mechanical Engineering and decided to go down this route as I will get paid to learn the trade and also the time to study. Balcas will give me the hands on experience I need to progress further within this field of work.

What does your day to day job look like?

Every day is different which is exciting because nothing is repetitive, I am learning new skills such as welding and other mechanical techniques. Balcas will also provide me with other various training ie teleporter, MEWP etc. but more importantly the team I work with and the mentoring they are giving me has helped me feel at ease and I have settled into my role.

How do you see yourself in 5 years?

I see myself fully qualified as a Mechanical Maintenance Engineer and hopefully progress up the ranks within my department.

What’s the best thing about an apprenticeship? As above, I am very ‘hands on’ and didn’t want to sit in a classroom all day so I decided on the apprenticeship road would let me earn while I learn and so I’ll be debt free instead of having university fees and student loans to deal with.

Balcas are committed to providing high quality opportunities for young people and take great pride in seeing talent flourish within the company’s operations. A great way to earn and learn in a world class manufacturing environment and is available right on your doorstep.

Think about how you learn best – going to university or staying at school is an academic route, but if you’d rather be hands-on and educate yourself ‘by doing’; then an apprenticeship route might suit you better.

Perhaps like for Kienan, its worth looking into.