KARL BOULT

Company – Aker Solutions

Advanced Apprenticeship – Design Technician

Nineteen year-old Karl from Thornaby began his Advanced Apprenticeship at NETA in 2006. Since starting his placement at Aker Solutions, and having had the chance to try out different disciplines, Karl is now pursuing a career in piping and mechanical. Here he gives a first-hand account of his experience as an apprentice.

“I first became interested in design whilst doing my GCSE in Engineering at NETA whilst attending Thornaby Community School. We had to make a clock and I enjoyed designing it using ProDesktop software and I also liked that the work was very much hands-on. I was pleased to achieve a B in the subject.

“I chose to do the Advanced Apprenticeship in Design because I had found it interesting and also because of the job prospects it offered. It seemed like a good career choice and getting paid whilst I learnt was something that appealed to me.

“What I enjoyed most about my first year in NETA was meeting new people, learning the basics of engineering and getting to have a go at different trades such as fabrication, welding and pipefitting.

“I started my placement with Aker Solutions, previously known as Aker Kvaerner, in June 2007 and am now in my second year with them.

“During my time there I have worked in the head office in Stockton doing editing on drawings and generally helping out with different projects such as assisting with data sheets.

“I’ve had the chance to move around the office to spend time with different departments such as civil structural, electrical and even marketing, to help me choose which sector I would like to focus on in my career.

“After deciding to pursue piping and mechanical I have been involved with different projects and have been able to get a feel of what engineering is all about.

“As well as my work-based learning, I’ve also gained my ONC at Hartlepool College and am currently working towards my HNC in mechanical engineering through Middlesbrough College. I hope to eventually progress on to a degree course in mechanical engineering.

“One of the highlights of my Apprenticeship so far was getting the chance to work in southern Spain for three months, working on a mining, job which was a great experience.

“For anybody interested in design I would definitely recommend this Apprenticeship as it offers so many career opportunities.”