This work involved assisting and supporting senior academic staff and students with a variety of Mechanical Engineering subjects, bridging the gap between student and lecturer. Responsibilities included demonstrating engineering concepts in a tutorial or laboratory setting. Working on a one-to-one or group basis, presenting information in many formats and translating knowledge into terms that others could understand. Here, I developed the ability to listen and communicate effectively and adapt my communication style to suit students of varying ages, abilities, learning styles, backgrounds and cultures.

I worked as part of a team on both current product maintenance and new product development testing and developing gas fuelled domestic heating appliances, controls and accessories in a laboratory environment. Responsibilities included working to British and International standards, determining test plans, proving design solutions and analysing, reporting and presenting findings and solutions. Key achievements within this role include leading product rebranding projects from concept through to realisation and leading an R&D department wide initiative to improve our quality management standards, allowing us to successfully achieve ISO 9001 accreditation for the first time.

During my apprenticeship, time was spent visiting every area of the business where I gained experience in all aspects of manufacturing and mechanical engineering practice. I gained a good understanding of the business needs and built a good network of colleagues, allowing me to draw on the experience of others. The apprenticeship was completed in Research and Development, specialising in testing, measurement and calibration.