A huge congratulations to WES apprentice, Lewis Tett, who was presented with his Level 3 NVQ certificate after completing his final module. Lewis, aged 21, started his apprenticeship at another company, but sadly, that company went into administration. In July 2016, WES offered Lewis the opportunity to continue his training through Southampton Engineering Training Association (SETA) and a position as a trainee mechanical engineer.
During his first year, Lewis was required to go to college one day a week as well as carry out his work in the WES workshop. As he progressed, Lewis was involved in every aspect of the WES production and manufacturing process. Over the three years, he has gained an enormous amount of experience from working with such a fantastic and skilled team.
The apprentice scheme through SETA, provided Lewis with regular progress reports, documenting not just the tools he used on a daily basis, but also the materials and the approach Lewis has taken at every stage of his apprenticeship. The college teaching staff clearly hold Lewis in high regard as an example of how an apprentice has made the most of the course to broaden the skills that will stay with him for the rest of his career.
Martin Woodroffe, Workshop Manager, enthuses: “Lewis has been involved with the manufacture of all WES products at some point, working on some of the larger lathes and mills. He is so well thought of not only by the team here but the assessors that came in to oversee his progress. Lewis showed a lot of promise from early on and received amazing feedback. We wish him the best of luck in the next stage of his career development.”
Lewis’s qualification means that he has the opportunity go on to the next level which will involve a 2-year course at Southampton University, leading to an HNC.
Lewis says: “I was so pleased to be presented with my certificate by Martin and the team and it was a really nice touch to give me a gift of a Dremel tool. It’s a great keepsake to commemorate my last three years.”
With two more apprentices finalising their workplace assessments next year, Ali Wheeler, HR Manager says: “In today’s tight labour market the apprenticeship programme is a really good way of bringing fresh talent into the business and we have been delighted with the results.”
Lewis adds of his time at WES: “This has been such an immersive experience and WES has been so supportive at every stage. Learning on the job is a great opportunity to add value to a business whilst it invests in your career. I couldn’t recommend this approach enough to anyone who is currently considering it. Talk to SETA, to discuss the opportunities out there.”
