Published: March 4, 2019
Hi, my name is Luke and the University of Sunderland is supporting me to complete a 3-year part-time degree apprenticeship in Building Services Engineering through the apprenticeship levy scheme.
In 2010 after completing my A levels, I decided against going to university and decided that I wanted to pursue a career through an apprenticeship scheme. During this time I applied for the role of “Mechanical Maintenance Engineer (apprentice)” at the University of Sunderland and was successful at the interview. From there I completed vocational training at works, completing various maintenance tasks across the University estate and learning from the experienced maintenance team.
During this time I also continued my education at college part-time, completing my ONC and HNC in Mechanical Engineering. After 4 years of hard work and experience, I qualified as a Mechanical Maintenance Engineer and was fortunate to secure a full-time role in the Facilities Department. I then continued in that role until February 2017 where I was successful in applying for the role of Estates Maintenance Officer (Mechanical and Energy). Since then I have been mainly based in an office environment running maintenance contracts, assisting with managing the maintenance team and being involved in both minor and major works across the University estate.
As part of my development in this role and for the future, the University of Sunderland is supporting me to complete a 3-year part-time degree apprenticeship in Building Services Engineering through the apprenticeship levy scheme. I will be completing this course at Leeds Beckett University from January 2019 until April 2022.
During this time, I’ve found the University of Sunderland incredibly supportive towards my development. Without them, I don’t know where I would be at with my career and could have ended up on a totally different path. I believe the University of Sunderland recognises potential and tries to develop its staff for career progression if staff are capable and willing to enhance their learning and career. I would recommend more people to push for development opportunities within the University as the apprenticeship levy process is a real way of being able to progress your career.
Luke Coad
Estates Maintenance Officer (Mechanical/Energy)
Topic: Advice and tips