Technical Engineering Apprentice
“After 10 years’ working in offices, I decided that I needed a change. I’m a very technical person, and I didn’t feel like the jobs I’d been doing fulfilled my potential. I wanted something much more hands-on. So I went along to the Milton Keynes Careers Fair and got chatting to a current apprentice from FCDO Services, and they really sold apprenticeships to me.
"At FCDO Services you’re treated as an equal and trusted with important work."
Having already spent a long time in various roles – the most recent being a Data Analyst at a bank – I was a bit nervous about being too old for an apprenticeship. But while everyone else in my intake is younger than me, I’ve always felt included and welcomed. A lot of people have this idea that apprentices are on the lowest rung of the ladder, only there to get tea for everyone. This couldn’t be further from the truth. At FCDO Services you’re treated as an equal and trusted with important work.
"It’s a great feeling when you know that so much time and effort goes into your development."
What excites me most about the Technical Engineering Apprenticeship is the sheer amount of opportunities we have – whether that’s experiencing lots of different teams or getting to travel overseas. It’s a great feeling when you know that so much time and effort goes into your development. This started with learning at college, where we were taught everything from engineering theory to the practical skills and techniques we need to use day-to-day.
As for some of my most memorable moments so far, a few spring to mind. Learning how to programme and code Arduino boards. Meeting the CEO in my first week. Passing all my college modules and receiving a letter of merit from Cisco IT. But the best thing is, I know that at FCDO Services, this is just the start."
