Will Keelan

Name: Will Keelan, 24
Job title: Junior project engineer
Employer: Cobra Sport Exhausts UK
Studying: Metal Fabricator Advanced Apprenticeship

- Winner of the Engineering and Design Award at the Joint Awards Scheme 2024
- Winner of the Apprentice of the Year award at the Made in Sheffield Awards 2024
- Winner of the Apprentice of the Year award at the Made in Yorkshire Awards 2024
- Winner of the Apprentice of the Year award at the Made in the UK Awards 2024

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

Ever since I was a kid, I have always had an inquisitive mind – constantly playing with Lego, and taking things apart and putting them back together again, even our TV remote. So, it was pretty natural and something that was inevitable. 

During school, I was really into STEM subjects, so much so that I became a STEM ambassador for my school. Along the years, I participated in engineering summer camps with Work-Wise, which fuelled my passion even more. Seeing the exciting world of engineering and the endless possibilities it offered solidified my decision to pursue this path. I knew this was what I wanted to do. 

Q. Why did an apprenticeship appeal to you? 

In school, I was chosen to be an English Baccalaureate student, studying three sciences, a humanities subject and a language. I was being pushed down the traditional A-level path to the university route. After a year of A-levels, I realised it wasn’t the right fit for me. With the growing engineering training sector in Sheffield, I saw an opportunity to get both education and practical, hands-on experience at the workplace. That was really important to me.

I felt, and still do feel incredibly passionate about apprenticeships. My apprenticeship has given me the opportunities that I always dreamed of when I first started my career – at a great company and with a fantastic training centre. 

Q. Tell us about your role at Cobra.

I've been with Cobra since 2021, starting as a welding and fabrication apprentice. After a year on the production line, I was promoted to research and development technician. In this role, I designed and manufactured new parts for our automotive product lines and developed the necessary jigs for production. Earlier this year, I was promoted to Junior Project Engineer. It’s essentially a trainee engineering project manager position, where I now oversee all company drawings, contribute to research and development cost analysis, manage part routing, and supervise the motorcycle production department.

Q. What are some of your highlights at work?

At Cobra, I've successfully managed our first major manufacturing contract for the Co-op Live Arena handrails. I've helped cut costs on several processes through reverse engineering and efficiency analysis, secured additional manufacturing contracts through drawing work, designed new products for our automotive department, and successfully integrated the new Motorcycle department into our company's existing systems.

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

My apprenticeship has been key to my career development and progression. Additional training and education have helped my understanding of complex engineering problems at work and given me the critical technical knowledge I need to succeed in my career. 

The apprenticeship has also helped me develop professionally. The project module in the level 3 course and the professional development module in the level 6 course introduced me to a business mindset, especially through the SWOT analysis."

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

As a Fabricator Welder, at times I've faced challenges in pursuing higher education. However, thanks to the support of the AMRC team, including Tom Bird, Pete Coleman, Amy Waklin, Linda White, Leon Phil Robson, Mania and Nikki Jones, I'll be starting my manufacturing technologies degree in September. Being the first Fabricator Welder at the AMRC Training Centre to progress onto a higher education programme. Initially, there were no potential programmes for me in higher education. However, as soon as I spoke to the AMRC staff, I was immediately supported throughout my level 3 course and level 6 application process.

The AMRC Training Centre has given me the training essentials to progress onto the manufacturing technologies degree apprenticeship, this is a significant step that will equip me with industry-essential knowledge and skills to advance my career and ultimately achieve my goal of becoming chief engineer at Cobra.

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

If you’re looking into an apprenticeship scheme, I strongly recommend researching your chosen sector before applying for the apprenticeship. Show that you are keen and enthusiastic about the job role, go and meet the employers in person and sign up for a tour of their facilities – a face always backs up a name nicely before an interview, and a personal touch can make a big difference.

I recommend AMRC Training Centre to everyone looking. The training centre will help you find an employer and handle all the logistics. The AMRC Training Centre’s organisation and support can make the apprenticeship hunting experience much less stressful.

Inspired to start your apprenticeship journey? 

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