The 19-year-old joined the company earlier this year after completing four years at WMG Academy, and is one of three degree apprentices to be employed by Sarginsons.
Collins was handed his certificate by Prince Andrew, the Duke of York, and his award was in recognition of a series of presentations he gave to industry while studying at WMG. One of those presentations was to his now employer, Sarginsons, and this helped him to land the role with the company.
“It was a great feeling to receive the award, but it was made even more special by getting to receive it in such an amazing place,” says Collins. “My parents had bought me a new suit for passing my BTEC at WMG, so this was the perfect opportunity to wear it for the first time.”
“I was inspired to take up engineering by my granddad,” he adds. “He would take me to science and ‘imagineering’ fairs when I was younger, and it’s through him and these events that I gained my knowledge and interest in this field. The route I have taken means, ultimately, I will end up with a mechanical engineering degree from Coventry University, something I never thought would be possible.”
Collins is currently working in the maintenance department at Sarginsons as he completes his four-year degree apprenticeship.
“I enjoy the fact that it has been hands-on from day one,” he says. “My mentor here got me involved with a project immediately and I feel that I’ve been part of the team from day one. I attend university on campus at certain times while doing some of my university work at Sarginsons. I also spend time at the technical centre at Horiba Mira, a vehicle engineering, test and development consultancy, which is part of the course.”
Collins joins Tom Bowers and Theppana Mahunathasan as the trio of degree apprentices working for Sarginsons as the company plans for its short, medium and long-term growth.
Anthony Evans, managing director of Sarginsons, says: “We’re delighted to have all three on board and it’s great to give this opportunity to young people with a keen interest in an engineering career. We were all very proud when Luke was given the Duke of York Award in recognition of his hard work and we believe he, Tom and Theppana, are excellent additions to our team. There is no question that this new degree apprenticeship through Coventry University provides an exciting and important resource for local industry.”
