Name: Dylan McIntyre
Age: 20
Job Title: Trainee Design Engineer
Apprenticeship Type: Graduate
Date Started: August 2022
WHY DID YOU CHOOSE TO COMPLETE AN APPRENTICESHIP?
For me, an apprenticeship is the best way to progress into further education whilst building a career, as it provides you with a job in your chosen field while you also attend college/university to earn a qualification.
WHY A GRADUATE APPRENTICESHIP?
I completed a modern apprenticeship as a draughtsman at my previous employer and I wanted to push myself further and continue learning at a higher level. Completing a graduate apprenticeship allows me to work as a design engineer while completing a degree. I am able to gain invaluable experience and industry understanding, and I have already kick-started my career by taking this path. I can also apply learning from my university course directly to my job and vice versa.
WHAT IS IT LIKE TO BE AN APPRENTICE AT OILENCO?
It is brilliant! The Oilenco design team have years of experience and they are great to work with. They are always keen to provide me with help wherever they can and share their experiences and advice wherever possible to help me improve. My mentor provides me the right level of support and direction when I require it, and encourages me to work on new designs, thinking outside of the box which is great experience.
TELL US MORE ABOUT YOUR ROLE AT OILENCO?
I am involved with designing tools for well intervention applications for the oil and gas Industry. This often starts from a sketch before becoming a 3D model. I am required to complete various calculations to ensure the tool is fit for purpose. The concept is then shown to the client and if approved, is turned into physical components by the Oilenco machinists.
The variety of solutions that Oilenco provides to their clients means that each day can be different, and there is always something new and interesting to get involved in.
WHAT ATTRACTED YOU TO OILENCO?
Having researched the company, I was excited about the possibility of working for a forward-thinking company who continue to grow and invest in their employees. I knew the company would challenge me and give me the opportunity to learn and improve.
HOW DO YOU MANAGE YOUR TIME BETWEEN WORK AND STUDIES?
I am given one day in the working week to focus on studying which helps me create a balance between my job and my course. I still need to complete additional university work in my own time, but having time at work helps a lot.
WHAT ARE YOU ENJOYING MOST ABOUT YOUR APPRENTICESHIP?
Personally, it is being given the responsibility to complete actual client design projects for the company knowing that I have a team of people round me to provide support wherever it is needed. This is really fast-tracking my learning experience.
WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO ANYONE CONSIDERING AN APPRENTICESHIP?
If you are willing to work hard, have a desire to learn and achieve a successful career, it is absolutely the right place to start. An apprenticeship at whichever level can provide you with years of invaluable work experience and a deeper understanding of industry in practice, at the same time as achieving a college or university qualification.
If you are interested in learning more about apprenticeship opportunities at Oilenco, email your CV to info@oilenco.com.