Maddie Bissett

Name: Maddie Bissett
Job title: Warehouse Focused Technician
Company: Unilever
Studying: Level 6 Mechanical Manufacture Degree Apprenticeship (third/ final year)

Q. Why did an apprenticeship appeal to you? 

For me, I learn best when I am doing things. So, an apprenticeship seemed like the right choice to me as I knew I would be stuck in straightaway. Another huge benefit of an apprenticeship is the money. Earning while getting qualifications and experience is a combination that has helped develop my career in so many ways. 

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

The facilities at the AMRC Training Centre are really good. I've loved being able to use different softwares that I never would before like abaqus and granta edupack. Taking tours around different factories is also really interesting. 

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

My dad. He is an engineer himself and has travelled all around the world with his job which is really inspiring and something I'd love to do. He opened the door to engineering for me when I was looking for apprenticeships and since then, he has always helped me with anything I need related to engineering!

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

100% go for it. Do your research on the apprenticeships that you are looking at as often there are many different routes you can go down while undertaking the apprenticeship. Be prepared that there is work involved in an apprenticeship often like school work and it can be demanding at times. However, remember that you are paid for it while gaining the experience which will be very beneficial for future careers. 

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

The combination of learning the theoretical side of the industry while gaining hands-on experience is unbeatable. The knowledge I gain during my apprenticeship studies is reflected in my role at Unilever, everything working hand in hand with each other. It has also taught me hard work and discipline- having a full time job role and responsibilities at work while completing an apprenticeship – especially at degree level, it really gets you to work on skills like time management, work ethic and organisational skills.