Cayleigh

Cayleigh began a four-year modern apprenticeship at Altrad in 2018. She’s based at the St Fergus gas plant in Aberdeenshire.

I applied for an apprenticeship with Altrad when I was still at school – I had already started a mechanical engineering foundation course at a local college, and I loved how practical it was. I’d felt really inspired by some school visits from local engineers who talked to us about STEM subjects, and I knew I wanted to follow mechanical engineering as a career.

I’m now based at St Fergus gas plant in Aberdeenshire, and when I’ve completed my apprenticeship with Altrad I will be a qualified mechanical technician.

My apprenticeship has been such a great experience. In my first two years I was supported to go to college and get a HNC qualification, and this led me onto the modern apprenticeship. I love the fact my work is so hands on and I really enjoy being out on site.

I feel really proud of…

It’s rewarding to learn new things every day, and now my colleagues are relying on me to do some of the smaller jobs myself. I feel like I build skills and confidence with everything I do – it’s a real achievement.

What I’d say to others thinking of an apprenticeship at Altrad…

I’d say don’t be put off by coming into an environment where you may have no experience. I was nervous about starting somewhere new – and I was even a bit daunted about following a career which has always been thought of as male dominated – but I got to know everyone and it’s a really supportive team.

Where I see my potential taking me at Altrad…

I’m really enjoying my apprenticeship – I honestly love it. Longer term I want gain some more qualifications and build up my knowledge of the site I’m working on. I’m even thinking I might work up to a degree in mechanical engineering – I’d even be open to working offshore in the future.

How I’d sum up my apprenticeship…

I’ve found it so enjoyable and inspiring. It’s made me feel proud of what I can achieve.