Jessica completed the Level 2 and 3 Engineering Technician (Technical Support Technician) Apprenticeship at the precision nuts-and-bolts supplier Accu, where she works as an application engineer
I completed the Level 3 BTEC Extended Diploma in Advanced Manufacturing at Kirklees College, a two-year course I began at 16. I wanted to make sure I had a solid qualification behind me before taking the next step in my career.
Engineering has always felt like a natural fit for me. I grew up with it all around me; both my grandad and uncle were engineers, and from a young age, I was fascinated by design and making things.
My grandad and I would sketch out ideas together, then bring them to life in his shed: bird stands, little wooden benches, all sorts. Those early experiences really sparked something in me.
I always knew engineering was the direction I wanted to go, and the more I learned about it, the more excited I became by just how many different sectors and specialisms you can explore within it.
During my time at college, I did a work placement at a local engineering company, which really opened my eyes to the value of on-the-job learning. I've always found I pick things up much more effectively in a practical, real-world environment, so the apprenticeship route made complete sense for me. It meant I could develop genuine, hands-on experience while continuing to build my qualifications, the best of both worlds, without the need for university.
I found the opportunity with Accu at GOV.UK - Find an apprenticeship. I applied for the role through their portal. It was a straightforward process, and I'm really glad I came across it.
Because I already held my Level 3 BTEC, my programme was adapted to reflect my prior two years of learning, which meant I completed a condensed two-year further apprenticeship rather than the standard four-year programme from start to finish.
I spent my first year completing the Level 2 element at Kirklees College three days a week, with one day at Accu. That one day a week in the business was invaluable. I got to grips with the internal systems, practised producing computer-aided design (CAD) models and technical drawings, and gradually began raising quotes and orders with support from the wider engineering team.
Once I finished my Level 2, I moved to four days a week at Accu for the final year of my apprenticeship, taking on increasing responsibility and managing enquiries from beginning to end.
Teamwork and communication were probably the biggest ones. Working closely with experienced engineers and dealing directly with customers really helped me develop confidence and professionalism. I also significantly improved my technical skills, particularly around CAD modelling and understanding customer requirements in a manufacturing context.
Planning was key. I made sure to map out my week in advance so I knew exactly what college work needed to be completed and when. I tried to get as much done as possible during college, but if things were quieter at work, I'd speak to my manager about using that time productively for studying. Having that open communication with my team made a real difference.
The ability to learn and work simultaneously. There's something really motivating about applying what you're studying in a real business environment; it makes everything feel relevant and purposeful.
In the early stages, when I was spending three days a week at college and only one day at Accu, it took a little time to find my feet in the business. I was eager to get stuck in, so it required some patience. But that foundation was important, and once I transitioned to four days a week at Accu, everything clicked into place.
I've taken on a much broader and more complex workload since completing my apprenticeship. I'm now handling more challenging enquiries independently, and I have significantly more responsibility and autonomy in my role. It's been great to see my own progression and to feel trusted to manage more demanding work.
Every day involves:
I'm keen to continue my education by working towards Level 4 and Level 5 qualifications. I want to keep building on my technical knowledge and expertise so that I can take on even more complex challenges in my role and continue to grow within the industry.
