Ben Tibenham and Mark Tibenham, MJT Engineering

Insight from Ben Tibenham, apprentice engineer at MJT Engineering Ltd

Please describe your day-to-day role.

Setting and operating manual and CNC machines, turning and milling machines. Dealing with QA and management systems. Dealing with customer enquiries and progressing jobs.

What inspired you to pursue a career in engineering?

My family has been involved in engineering for three generations. I have always had an interest in practical and mechanical things.

Why did an apprenticeship appeal to you?

I prefer to be hands on rather than sitting in a classroom, and financially it has worked better for me as I have managed to buy a house rather than accumulate student debts.

How would you describe your journey?

It has been hard work but very interesting, learning new skills and developing technical knowledge.

How has your apprenticeship given you the skills and knowledge you need for a rewarding career?

Practical skills which are essential in the engineering environment, technical knowledge and problem solving skills. I have learnt these through being involved in a real working situation, picking up information and tips from experienced people that I have worked with.

What do you see as the main benefits/advantages of this route into a career versus the traditional university route?

The experience that has been passed down to me in a real work situation is invaluable and also financially much better placed that a student who has been to university.

What did you enjoy most about your apprenticeship experience when onsite at the AMRC Training Centre?

Access to industry standard equipment and experts in the industry.

What are some of the highlights, your biggest achievements during your apprenticeship journey?

Passing my level 3 with good grades and having the confidence to tackle anything that comes my way at work.

What is the best part of being an apprentice at MJT Engineering?

Learning from experienced colleagues and getting paid to work in a productive role.

What tips and/or advice would you give to other people looking to do an apprenticeship?

Work hard at college and at work, and embrace every opportunity to learn new skills.

Where would you like to see yourself in five years’ time?

Becoming qualified at level 4 and eventually having my own business.

Insight from Mark Tibenham, Director, MJT Engineering

How important are high quality apprenticeship programmes?

Incredibly important for new staff to have the academic background that is required to be a successful employee.

What impact has Ben had across your business?

He has become a valuable member of the team, not just in his role as a machinist but also moving into management areas, particularly dealing with QA audits and conformance.

What do you see as the benefits of your apprentice being trained at The University of Sheffield AMRC Training Centre?

Excellent facilities and training by industry recognised and experienced people.

What advice would you give to apprentices starting out on their journeys?

Work hard and try to use as much initiative as you can whilst working within the limits of your knowledge and ability.

What advice would you give to other employers who might be considering taking on an apprentice.

Contact AMRC to guide you through the process and give the apprentice the opportunity to try a variety of jobs, then you can tell which areas they excel in.

What benefits do you think apprenticeships have for local communities?

Getting people trained and into skilled employment enhances society in lots of ways. People are more responsible; they have an aim in life. The local economy benefits from both the employee and from the company.

What advice would you give to someone who might be undecided on whether to choose an apprenticeship?

If possible try to get some work experience in the field that you think you want to work in. This way you can get an insight into the type of work and the work environment.