According to Engineering UK, in 2019 only 39 per cent of young people aged 14 to 16 said they knew what they needed to do in order to become an engineer. A lack of knowledge about relevant pathways into Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM) subjects can discourage people from pursuing engineering careers, widening the future skills gap that will impact the industry.
Renishaw’s extensive education outreach programmes engage with thousands of students every year, with the aim to increase knowledge of STEM careers and routes into this exciting sector. Apprenticeships are a well established and increasingly accepted alternative to more traditional career routes and with over 40 years of experience of recruiting apprentices.
Renishaw currently has applications open for a record intake of 80 apprentices across its Gloucestershire and South Wales sites. The company offers a breadth of schemes from level 2 to level 6 (degree level) including apprenticeships in manufacturing engineering, software engineering, mechanical engineering, embedded electronics, commercial, IT support analyst and new electrician and plumber schemes.
“I chose to pursue an apprenticeship, rather than a degree, because I am able to put my classroom learning into action in real world scenarios,” commented Ethan Hunt, mechanical engineer apprentice at Renishaw. “My colleagues at Renishaw have such a wealth of knowledge, I am able to learn from them and continue to develop my understanding as we collaborate on projects.”
“During my apprenticeship, I have carried out various rotations, which has given me a broad understanding of the whole company,” explained Rebekah Glen, software engineer apprentice at Renishaw. “The large range of projects and people that I have worked with during my apprenticeship has taught me how to collaborate in different teams. I’ve also had the opportunity to run projects, getting first-hand experience in all the tasks involved, from coding to managing stakeholder relationships.”
“Apprentices futureproof the workforce, which is why Renishaw has invested so heavily in our early careers programmes since 1979,” explained Julia Russell, senior early careers resourcing and programme advisor at Renishaw. “Our apprentices are always heavily involved in projects from the outset and are encouraged to bring innovation and fresh ideas to the team to help our company adapt in a rapidly changing industry.”
As well as gaining on the job experience, apprentices will also benefit from Renishaw’s comprehensive benefits package, including a competitive salary, a nine per cent non-contributory pension, onsite gym and private medical insurance.
To apply for an apprenticeship at Renishaw, visit https://www.renishaw.com/en/apprenticeships.
