Lucy Austin
Published on 03/01/2025
Name: Lucy Austin, 20
Job title: Apprentice maintenance planner
Employer: HEINEKEN UK
Studying: Maintenance Engineering Degree Apprenticeship (third/final year)
Highly commended for Engineering/Manufacturing Apprentice of the Year award at the North Yorkshire Apprentice Awards
Q. Why did an apprenticeship appeal to you?
I chose to do an apprenticeship as it allows me to earn money while doing a part-time job. It gives me the freedom to travel with my friends, take my girlfriend out – all while not racking up debt and instead saving in the hopes of buying a house in future. I’m also a very practical learner and gain a lot from doing practical tasks. Before starting my apprenticeship, I knew this way of learning would help me develop much further in the early stages of my career.
Q. How do you think your apprenticeship will give you the skills and knowledge you need for a rewarding career?
Doing an engineering apprenticeship in the Fast Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) industry means that I get to work alongside experienced and knowledgeable professionals in so many areas including packaging operations, logistics, brewing, continuous improvement and HR, all of which go beyond the scope of my university course. It allows me to learn so much about the industry and how each position works together to create a successful 24/7 business operation.
I’ve already had rotations in bottling, kegging, canning, brewing and logistics where I’ve worked alongside people holding different job positions, understanding their daily responsibilities and functions at HEINEKEN. I’m using the experience I gain to try and improve current systems. As I continue through my apprenticeship and into a full-time job, these skills will provide a strong foundation for further learning opportunities.
Q. What was the best part about doing an apprenticeship at the AMRC Training Centre?
The best part of coming to the AMRC Training Centre is the friends I have made. It is so rewarding to have met other apprentices with shared interests; we help each other with our different strengths when it comes to academic studies and learn from the different industries within the manufacturing sector where we all have different job roles.
Another rewarding part is the workshop trainers who encourage you to do your best and provide insightful guidance. I regularly update them on my workplace activities and the knowledge I have gained. They are inquisitive and offer advice for further learning in the area and how it could help me for similar tasks in the future.
Q. Who inspired you to pursue a career in engineering?
Many people have inspired me so far on my engineering journey. Initially, my dad encouraged me to give it a try in school as the prospects of robotics and automation sounded exciting. My dad is a team leader at Portakabin and I have always been interested in his job. I even completed my work experience in the engineering design team there.
Beyond that, achieving the Arkwright Engineering Scholarship in sixth form provided me further encouragement to continue to learn more about the industry and the potential for further education after my A-Levels.
Q. What tips and/or advice would you give to other people looking to do an apprenticeship?
Apply! If you're thinking of doing an apprenticeship, you will not be disappointed by the experience and the reward. At first, when I was offered a fully funded degree with a full-time salary and six months in university accommodation, I thought there must be a catch. But so far, I haven't found it.
An apprenticeship does require a lot of effort and commitment but the benefits are definitely worth it. At the end of my course, I will have four years of valuable industry experience working with experts in the engineering field too.
Inspired to start your apprenticeship journey?