NAW 2023: Celebrating the power of on-the-job learning

National Apprenticeship Week is here, and we're thrilled to showcase one of our amazing apprentices, Ryan!

Ryan joined the Chetwood IT team as an apprentice nine months ago and has been making waves ever since. We recently sat down with Ryan to hear about his experiences and what he’s gained from his apprenticeship. From the skills he's learned to the way he's grown professionally and personally, Ryan's story is a testament to the impact that apprenticeships can have.

So, without further ado, let's hear from Ryan!

Meet Ryan

Hi everyone! My name is Ryan, and I'm an IT Apprentice at Chetwood. I've now been with the company for nine months, and I can honestly say that it’s been an incredible experience.

Before joining Chetwood, I was studying for my master’s degree in software engineering at Glyndwr University in Wrexham. I was also a Corona Sanitation Agent at Kimberly Clark during the pandemic. Outside of work, I love to tinker with computers and ride dirt bikes. I’ve always had a passion for technology, and I'm so grateful to have found a career that allows me to explore that passion every day.

Why I chose Chetwood

I decided to pursue an apprenticeship at Chetwood after being made redundant; it was time to finally follow my passion for technology. The apprenticeship program at Chetwood was the perfect opportunity for me to explore multiple paths within tech, rather than just one specific field, as well as gaining valuable skills for life.

Development and life at Chetwood

As an IT Apprentice, my typical working day involves checking technical tickets for any issues or faults on users’ machines, setting up laptops, and doing general administrative work like password resets. But the best part of my job is the opportunity to learn and grow.

At Chetwood, I’ve learned a variety of lifelong skills, including computer diagnostics skills that are transferable across most technology platforms. I’ve also been introduced to the Python programming language, which has opened up even more opportunities for me in the future.

Not only have I learned technical skills, but I’ve also grown personally and professionally. Since starting my apprenticeship, I’ve become more comfortable communicating with people in person and on the phone, which is crucial in any career. It's amazing to see how much I have grown in just nine months!

Future goals

My goal is to stay with Chetwood and begin my training in Amazon Web Services Cloud Engineering. I'm excited to continue my journey in programming and software engineering, and I know that the skills I’ve learned at Chetwood will help me get there.

If you're considering joining an apprenticeship program, I would highly recommend it! The atmosphere at Chetwood is fun and thriving, and the team provides excellent training in a comfortable, flexible work environment. Everyone is a pleasure to work with, and I'm grateful to be part of such a supportive community.

So, during this National Apprenticeship Week, I encourage others to explore the opportunities available to them. Skills for life are not just about what you learn in the classroom, but what you learn from the experiences and people around you. Chetwood has been the perfect place for me to develop my skills for life and grow as a professional.

Check out our current openings on our Careers page and follow us on LinkedIn and Twitter to stay updated on future apprenticeship opportunities!