Toby Engineers A Career

Toby Jackson gives a first-hand insight into his GCSE in Engineering, which led to a Fabrication Apprenticeship at NETA.

“I got my first taste of engineering when I took a GCSE in the subject through my school, Northfield School and Sports College, and NETA Training Group.

“I was encouraged to take the course by my grandad who had worked as an engineer, and I had always been interested in creating products and finding out how things worked.

“The course gave me an insight into the use of hand tools, sheet metal work, fabrication, electronics, computer aided design, engineering drawing and the use of machinery, as well as health and safety rules and regulations. The course involved both theory and practical work and I produced products including a bottle opener, a bracket and a clock.

“I gained full-marks on completion of the GCSE course leaving with two A* and decided to carry on my time with NETA doing a fabrication apprenticeship, as I had really enjoyed learning how things work and making the products. As part of my apprenticeship I gained sponsorship through Cordell Group, a large local engineering company.

“Throughout my time as an apprentice I gained experience in Oxy fuel gas cutting, manual metal arc (MMA) welding, MIG welding and TIG welding, Engineering drawing, health and safety as well as plate work and fabrication and got to test my practical expertise through five test pieces.

“As part of my apprenticeship I also attended Hartlepool College of Further Education where I gained a BTEC national award after getting four distinctions in materials, engineering drawing, communications and maths and two merits in electrical principles and mechanical principles.

“I really enjoyed the engineering apprenticeship and would recommend it to anyone. It’s a very good way of learning and setting yourself up for a career with good long-term prospects.”