Holly Herron

"The BEng (Hons) Engineering Practice Apprenticeship has influenced my role at ZF Automotive by enhancing my skills, knowledge, and confidence in performing my duties effectively. As a maintenance technician, I’m responsible for equipment inspection and testing the machines to identify potential issues or signs of wear, as well as conducting tests to ensure proper functionality and performance. Through the combination of on-the-job training and academic study, I've gained a deeper understanding of industry-specific concepts, tools, and best practices relevant to my role.

My apprenticeship has taught me about industry-specific practices, standards, and regulations. Understanding how my company operates from the inside is essential for adapting to the expectations of future employers. Also, my apprenticeship has helped me to foster a culture of learning and development within the organisation. By actively engaging in both on-the-job training and academic study, I've demonstrated the value of continuous learning to my colleagues and peers.

One significant benefit of my apprenticeship is having gained new technical skills and competencies. By applying theoretical knowledge gained through coursework to real-world scenarios within ZF Automotive, I've become proficient in utilising various software, tools, and technologies essential for my role. This hasn't only increased my efficiency but also allowed me to contribute more effectively to projects and initiatives within the company.

During my apprenticeship, I encountered various challenges that tested my problem-solving skills. Juggling work responsibilities alongside study commitments demanded effective time management and prioritisation. To overcome this challenge, I established a structured schedule, allocating specific time blocks for work tasks and dedicated study periods. Additionally, I received guidance from mentors and supervisors, who provided invaluable support and advice on managing workload expectations and integrating theory into practice. Their insights, feedback, and advice have been crucial for my growth in the industry.

Since undertaking my apprenticeship, I’ve received a full-time contract at ZF Automotive. I’ve also won the David Child’s Award for Outstanding Achievement on an engineering course, been shortlisted for Apprentice of the Year with the North East Automotive Alliance, and spoken in articles and on the radio about the importance of women in engineering.

My apprenticeship has also had a positive impact on my role at ZF Automotive in several ways. Firstly, my presence as an apprentice has allowed me to bring fresh perspectives and innovative ideas to the table. Through my academic coursework and exposure to new concepts, I've been able to contribute creative solutions to ongoing projects and challenges within ZF.

After I complete my apprenticeship, my ambition is to stay within an engineering role. I hope to become a maintenance group leader because I'll have acquired a lot more abilities that I can apply to the position. From there, I hope to climb the managerial ladder further and explore the different aspects of engineering.

I'd recommend anyone thinking of doing an engineering apprenticeship to study at Sunderland. Take the time to thoroughly research the course, understand the curriculum, the skills you’ll acquire, and the overall structure of the course. Engineering is a broad field with various specialisations, so explore the different branches of engineering offered in the apprenticeship to ensure they align with your interests and career goals. If possible, attend open days or events organised by Sunderland to get a feel for the campus, meet faculty members, and gain more insights into the apprenticeship.

The engineering apprenticeship has increased my confidence in my abilities at work. By overcoming challenges and completing tasks in a professional setting, it's built self-assurance that'll benefit me throughout my career. I’m thoroughly enjoying my apprenticeship and have already developed new skills and knowledge that I can apply within and outside my company. I believe that this course will help me succeed in my future ambitions."