Alex Whinfrey-Gibson | Case Study

Name: Alex Whinfrey-Gibson, 22
Job title: Engineering apprentice
Employer: H+H UK Limited
Studying: Maintenance Engineering Degree Apprenticeship

Q. What inspired you to pursue a career in engineering?

It was when I was doing my A levels where I studied physics, chemistry and maths. I was torn between medicine and engineering and I didn't know which one I wanted to do. Some of my teachers who were retired engineers spotted the skill set I possessed and the potential I had. They guided me and helped me understand the kind of career I could have if I go down the engineering path.

While this was one part of it, I think that the biggest thing that gravitated me towards engineering was participating in the Discover STEM programme at the University of Sheffield. From ages 16 to 18, I attended quarterly sessions where I experienced university-level lectures and workshops whilst doing my A-levels. This was followed by a summer school, where I got to live in the residence halls, go on tours and see what it's like first-hand – giving me a taste of student life and the engineering field.

Additionally, I was inspired by Brian Cox's lectures frequently held at the Sheffield Arena. His love and enthusiasm for physics was contagious. It was really interesting to understand how engineering and physics go hand-in-hand, for instance, we wouldn't be able to explore space if it weren't for aircraft.

So, a combination of role models, academic experiences and exposure at a young age, and personal interests led me to pursue a career in engineering.

Q. Why did an apprenticeship appeal to you? How do you think your apprenticeship will give you the skills and knowledge you need for a rewarding career?

I’ve been asked if by choosing the apprenticeship route, I felt like I’ve missed out on anything. My answer is – no. I know a lot of people who undertook traditional BEngs programmes at some prestigious universities but are struggling to find jobs due to lack of work experience.

In contrast, my apprenticeship has provided me with valuable hands-on experience and a strong portfolio. While it’s nice to have the qualification on paper, for me it’s more important to be able to talk about my proven track record and my portfolio that I’ve actually accomplished.

Beyond the practical benefits, the apprenticeship has also offered me financial stability. While the earn-as-you-learn aspect wasn't my primary motivator, it's definitely been a significant advantage – allowing me to lead a comfortable lifestyle as I pay for my car fuel, put food on my table and pay my bills.

The apprenticeship has allowed me to contribute to society and gain financial independence without incurring a student debt.

Another key factor in my decision to pursue an apprenticeship was the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. I initially started studying chemical engineering at the University of Leeds but as a non-key worker, I felt very isolated and restricted during the lockdown. This is when I transferred to the AMRC Training Centre for the apprenticeship.

The apprenticeship provided me with a sense of purpose and a way to actively participate in the workforce. Now, I work in a chemical and process engineering facility where we upcycle coal ash into a valuable construction material - which I think is very interesting.

Thanks to the apprenticeship, I've achieved my career goals without incurring significant debt. My current salary is higher than it would have been with a traditional degree, and I've gained financial security that I might not have otherwise achieved.

Q. Tell us about your work with your employer/s.

H+H UK Limited manufactures aircrete blocks, a lightweight concrete block primarily used in residential construction. While our products are mainly focused on housing, we also have industrial applications. The company operates three factories in the UK, two in Pollington Yorkshire with our Headquarters in Borough Green, Kent

I've been with H+H for two years now. However, I began my apprenticeship journey working for a company called AESSEAL. As an apprentice technical application engineer at AESSEAL, I worked with clients worldwide to address equipment issues and provide technical solutions, while the AMRC Training Centre coached me through all that. A lot of the things that I was learning such as thermodynamics and materials science were applicable at my work. This experience was invaluable in developing my engineering skills.

The opportunity to join H+H and get more on-site experience was a significant step in my career. At H+H, I got the opportunity to see my work in action. I also realised that many of the technologies I'd worked with at AESSEAL were applicable to our operations at H+H.

My work now at H+H also involves data science. I'm passionate about applying mathematical concepts to real-world problems, and I've been involved in projects to predict equipment failures and develop KPIs for management. My job has helped me branch out and allowed me to gain a large depth of experience.

Q. What are some of your highlights at work?

One of my initial projects at H+H involved upgrading centrifugal slurry pumps. Leveraging my knowledge from AESSEAL, I was able to improve the pumps' reliability, reduce operational costs and decrease time to repair, which in turn reduced utility repair costs while saving water – having quite a big environmental impact.

Q. What was the best part about doing an apprenticeship at the AMRC Training Centre?

For me, the most rewarding aspect of my apprenticeship was the multidisciplinary approach to learning. While I specialised in maintenance, I was also exposed to advanced engineering concepts like thermodynamics, computing and mathematics, as well as modules on management skills.

I particularly appreciated the group projects, which required us to collaborate, meet tight deadlines, think critically and innovate. These experiences taught me the importance of time management and problem-solving. I realised that I was capable of much more than I initially thought, and I gained confidence in my ability to balance work, study, and personal commitments.

Beyond the academic aspects, I found the learning support mentors at the AMRC Training Centre invaluable. There were so many highs and lows in my journey, so many changes – moving companies while starting second year. The guidance and encouragement from the learning support mentors helped me navigate the challenges of the apprenticeship, especially during times of transition.

My apprenticeship experience would not have been as enjoyable if I didn’t have the opportunity to pick up the phone and just have a five minute conversation to say: ‘I'm struggling with this assignment. Have you got any tips to help me?’. The kind of approachable and supportive nature of the staff made a significant difference in my overall experience.

A particular anecdote I very clearly recollect is when I was dealing with a borehole remediation task at work. No one on the company site had actually done the job before, so I virtually had nobody to lean on. I reached out to Professor Dave Smith, who has about 30-odd years of experience in steelworks and taught maintenance management at the AMRC Training Centre before retiring this year.

The job had nothing to do with the AMRC Training Centre, so Professor Smith didn't necessarily need to support me with it. But he spoke to me for five minutes, provided me with some significant advice and talked me through a safer way of managing a particular project that I had no expertise in or no one in my company could help me with.

My apprenticeship at the AMRC Training Centre was a transformative experience that equipped me with the skills and knowledge to succeed in my career. This is also why I volunteered to be the STEM ambassador – going to schools and other events to speak to students, school leavers and even adults who fancy a career change. I want to give back to the community.

Q. What tips and/or advice would you give to other people looking to do an apprenticeship?

My perspective on career advice has evolved significantly over the years. Previously, I would’ve emphasised the importance of choosing the ‘right’ course or company from the get-go. However, my own experiences have shown that personal commitment and resilience are far more crucial factors in career success.

Regardless of where you start your journey, your path will ultimately unfold based on your own efforts. The human body and brain are capable of doing more than what you give yourself credit for. I would also say, avoid comparing yourself to others and focus on developing your own skills and knowledge. It might be just that other people are developing at a different rate than you but you’ll eventually get there too. Use all your resources, and there’s an abundance of resources at the AMRC Training Centre which you can dig in.

If you're interested in engineering – of course, do your research, but if you don't get into your dream company the first time, it’s not the end of it all. While working for a prestigious company can be appealing, smaller companies often offer more autonomy and opportunities for growth.

Inspired to start your apprenticeship journey?