At the start of this academic year, Imtech, our partners in maintaining the Estate, welcomed new apprentices into their team for the first time at the University of Lincoln.
Thomas Howarth, 20, has been working across campus to complete his qualification in Mechanical Engineering.
Pictured: Thomas Howarth, will be completing his Level 2 Mechanical Engineering Apprenticeship for four years
We spoke with Tom about how he’s found the first few weeks of his apprenticeship.
How are you finding your apprenticeship role?
Tom: I really enjoy it. It’s something I can fully get stuck in with. It’s four years and then after that, I’m set for life. We’ve come into it knowing nothing, but the team have been really understanding. There’s a big team of us and everybody knows their stuff. I did two years working at the LPAC and got used to the campus itself but it’s a whole different thing now.
What’s the most interesting job you’ve come across so far?
Tom: I’ve done a lot already but the most challenging job for me was when I fixed a fan and fitted a new one in the Isaac Newton Building. It’s a small thing but it was up in the roof. Trying to get your head in, your arms in, taking the cover off and something apart that you’ve never seen before… but I had Steve with me, telling me what was what. I got it in and it worked first time.
What are you hoping to come out of this apprenticeship with?
Tom: I want to just work my way up as much as I can really. For me, this is four years where I can just settle down and get sorted. I’ve got a lot of goals; to get my gas certificate and to try to become a Chartered Engineer.