Meet the apprentice: Lorien Engineering Solutions

18-Jul-2019 - Last updated on 18-Jul-2019 at 10:23 GMT

Sarah Matthews and Bill Treddenick discuss Lorien Engineering Solution's apprenticeship programme

Lorien Engineering Solutions apprentice Sarah Matthews talks about her ongoing learning, while operations director Bill Treddenick outlines the importance of meeting the skills challenge head-on

The Apprentice: Sarah Matthews

Before joining Lorien, I had just completed a master’s degree in chemical engineering at Swansea University. The degree included a year’s industrial placement, and that experience led me to look for a role that would give me experience of a wide spectrum of engineering projects.

I am now working in the compliance department, looking at issues around machine safety and potentially explosive atmospheres. The work mainly concerns the food and drink sector, and I was recently assigned to a big project for a distillery.

The best thing about my job is that I get to see projects through from start to finish. Around half my time is spent on-site with clients. I meet so many different people and experience all different types of processes – there is so much opportunity to learn.

The open-plan office means that people of all levels mix together and there is always someone available to help me if I encounter a problem. Apprentices are not seen as juniors or graduates – we are equals within project teams.

The Employer: Bill Treddenick

We are proud of our graduate scheme, because it identifies emerging talent and gives young engineers a platform to learn and develop, while injecting fresh thinking into the industry.

The scheme grows every year and now includes all engineering disciplines, including mechanical, electrical, safety compliance, architectural, civil, and structural – and it operates in both our UK and Polish offices. Our aim is to attract the best candidates and give them the experience and skills to flourish.

We provide young engineers with a platform to learn and develop on the job, working across a wide range of disciplines and with a diverse portfolio of clients, while also supporting people to achieve chartered status through an accredited process. This influx of new talent plays an important role in the ongoing growth of the business and, as in the case of Sarah, great energy also.

The feedback from colleagues and clients is very encouraging, and indicates we’re heading in the right direction.

Meanwhile, last month, we spoke with Weetabix apprentice James Bell and employer Paul Middlehurst.