Apprentices 2024 30 Day Q&A

Written by Oliver Muscat on October 30th 2024

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It’s been a month since we welcomed our 2024 apprentices to Exyte Hargreaves. We interviewed 3 of our apprentices and their line managers on how they are progressing through their apprenticeships.

What is your job role?

Neve Barker

I’m a Manufacturing Admin Apprentice.

Jonathan Johnson

I’m a Quality Practitioner Apprentice.

Afioluwa Adepoju-Ojo

I’m a Quality & Governance Business Admin Apprentice.

How has your first month been at Hargreaves?

Neve Barker

Everyone has been really nice and welcoming in the Production Team and the wider team of Hargreaves who I’ve met so far. I’ve enjoyed meeting experienced people like Barry Collingwood, and being able to work alongside him. I’m tasked with something new everyday, I’m getting used to my job role.

Jonathan Johnson

I’ve been enjoying the work I’ve been doing on the shop floor, for example, shadowing NDT of stainless steel. The Quality Department are really helpful at any questions I’ve asked. Been a good start.

Afioluwa Adepoju-Ojo

It’s going very well. I’m learning from all types of people and communicating with other departments. For example, I’ve been involved with Manufacturing, EHS & Quality on the inspection side too.

What have you been working on?

Neve Barker

One part of my job role is uploading Work Packs onto Sage (Finance software). Uploading Award Approvals on DALUX, and summary’s of meetings. Also, I’m involving myself with speaking to our suppliers for material, and overall supporting the Production Team. Recently, I’ve been gathering manufacturing E-Observations to process to our Safety Department.

The main project of mine is supporting the stock intake to keep on top of our materials used and what’s coming in.

Jonathan Johnson

There is two parts, Quality Control and Quality Assurance. Quality Assurance is completing audits, and ensuring documents are up to standard, up to date and presentable to the clients. Quality Control is inspection and testing finished ducting components using visual, dimensional inspections and Non Destructive Tests (NDT) to identify faults.

The project I’ve been working on, which others on the factory floor are, is Hinkley Point C. This is our largest project at the moment collectively.

Afioluwa Adepoju-Ojo

I’m supporting the running of the Quality Department through categorising documents, uploading documents on Integrated Management System (IMS) DALUX, and supporting audits. Shadowing Vivienne Rhodes (SHEQ Coordinator) on learning her methods, rules, guidelines and relations on the Quality side.

One project I’m working on is we’re looking to achieve new ISO standards, which I’m helping in. We are bringing in a new graded procurement process and I’m supporting by editing the documents, sending them to people to sign, and assigning them to the correct folders.

How's your apprenticeship, and what do you have to do?

Neve Barker

At the moment I’m just starting out by meeting my tutor and currently working on a ‘This is Me’ which I need to talk on the PESTLE Analysis, questions about Hargreaves, my role and department.

Jonathan Johnson

So far as an apprentice I’ve been given a task to clean ducting by Kevin Smith (QC Welding Inspector), and it be inspected by Mark Greenwood (QC Welding Inspector). Whilst I’m doing that, I’m learning how to find faults, following Marks methods. I’ve been collecting pieces of ductwork to take down number IDs and hand them to Joe Chappel, which he then puts them down as a Notice of Intent (NOI). This is getting me used to reading batch numbers, ducting IDs or metal ID tag. Furthermore, I’m observing drawings for items which helps me when it comes to the inspection, to interpret the drawings properly.

Afioluwa Adepoju-Ojo

I’ve completed a lot of e-learning assignments and completed an assignment on myself ‘This is Me’. Also I’m reading the Pearson Specification and gathering information on the course.

Neil Ellis (Pre-Manufacturing Manager) on Neve’s Progress

How is Neve getting on so far generally?

Brilliant, 10 out of 10. Jumped into the work and team with ease and is now fitting in really well. She’s embraced the fast-paced environment of the Production Office.

What has she been working on?

Within the first couple weeks she was shadowing the Pre-Manufacturing team. Now closely working on stock control with our Production and Quality teams.

Any significant achievements/projects?

Embedding herself into DALUX to raise requisitions for award approval process and early stages of procurement. Working on a replenishment tool to support stock intake. Overall, I’m happy with how quickly she’s got involved and getting along with the team.

Stephen Holmes (Quality Manager) on Jonathan’s Progress

How is Jonathan’s getting on so far generally?

In general he’s settled well into his role, almost immediately integrating with the QA/QC team and the various other personnel within the business.

What has he been working on?

Jon is beginning his journey working directly within the manufacturing environment, studying the key concepts of Quality Control including NDT techniques, the importance of material traceability and the various principles of welding.

In summary, we are pleased to have Jon as part of our team and recognise the contribution he’s have already made and the value they will add to the department moving forward. Perhaps most importantly, we look forward to seeing him develop both personally and professionally and contributing to the success of the business.

Vivienne Rhodes (SHEQ Coordinator) on Afi’s Progress

How is Afi getting on in general?

Afi is performing exceptionally well, quickly grasping tasks with minimal guidance, and delivering high quality results. His efficiency and quick understanding continue to impress me.

What has he been working on?

During his first month, Afi took on an urgent task to support HPC documentation, uploading over 6000 files, which was beyond initial expectations. We hadn’t initially planned to assign this to Afi, his contribution had a significant impact.

Any achievements so far/significant projects?

Afi has taken the initiative to create a monthly Quality bulletin and independently interviewed staff for it. He also provided detailed audit notes, and submitted a thorough report on his experience during his time in the factory. He has a planned visit to HPC to gain on site experience.

Are you interested in an Apprenticeship?

We will soon be starting the search for our 2025 apprentices. Keep in touch with our apprentice news on the Exyte Hargreaves website.

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