After finishing my studies, I was offered a placement at Thomas Keatings LTD. It was at this point I started my journey as an apprentice. This entailed a couple of different things, namely in the first year I manufactured a set of company standard personal equipment, including a Sine bar, Sine table, Machinist vice, Vee blocks, Die and Tap holders, among many other things. All of this equipment was manufactured to the highest standard and tolerances, all ground square, parallel, flat and to nominal size within less than 0.0001”. After completing this first year I began working on company projects. This is where I feel I really learnt the broad array of my knowledge. With a company as big as Thomas Keatings there was an even larger pool of knowledge for me to call upon. I have also been extremely lucky in my placement in that I can gain and learn as many skills as I can. I learnt how to operate a Bostomatic CNC mill, and pride myself on being able to machine components and work to within microns. Also learning how to operate a CMM measuring machine and more recently picking up TIG welding. During my apprenticeship I have also completed studies, including NVQ and working towards a HND. I also plan on completing a degree and then further a master’s degree in engineering.