ICOM celebrates apprenticeships for ‘National Apprenticeship Week’ #NAW2015 National Apprenticeship Week (NAW2015) - takes place from 9-13 March 2015, and is designed to celebrate apprenticeships and the positive impact they have on individuals, businesses and the wider economy. Supporting the event, the Industrial and Commercial Energy Association, ICOM, will be showcasing a series of real life apprenticeship career profiles. The profiles demonstrate how an apprenticeship can provide; qualifications, career progression, excitement and crucially the experience and opportunity to work in a real life environment.
Meet Thomas Name: Thomas Thomson Year started/completed: 2011 - date Current position: Apprentice 1.
What encouraged you to do an apprenticeship in your chosen field?
From an early age was interested in how things worked and how to assemble/disassemble items. I also did not want to start my career in debt following a course at University.
2. What are the most important skills your apprenticeship has taught you? Skills with machine tools and hand tools. Manufacturing processes including manufacture of multi-fuel combustion equipment. Maintenance skills including fault diagnosis in a number of different types of equipment including overhead cranes, CNC controlled equipment and hand tools e.g.pneumatic grinders. Plant operation and maintenance of steam raising boilers and steam distribution systems. 3.
What do you most enjoy about your apprenticeship?
The hands on approach to learning giving a wide experience base. 4. What has been your proudest achievement or highlight so far? Being selected as ICOM Apprentice of the year 2014. 5. What advice would you give to young people unsure about an apprenticeship in your industry? An apprenticeship gives a great start to your career. Obtaining skills in a trade will allow you to be productive and an asset to any Company worldwide. There will always be a need for skilled tradesmen. 6. Any other comments? Becoming an engineer was the best and easiest decision of my life. I would recommend it to anyone.
Ends For further information contact: -Jo, jo@eua.org.uk, 01926 513728. www.eua.org.uk www.icom.org.uk Note to editors: The Industrial & Commercial Energy Association, ICOM, is a member organisation working to engage in all aspects of energy related business activities, working closely with government, non-governmental offices, research establishments and industry trade associations towards a greener future. ICOM is a division of the Energy and Utilities Alliance (EUA).