Jack Hayman, from Blaina, joined Express Contract Drying (EDC) as an Apprentice Mechanical Engineer based at Rassau Industrial Estate in July 2018. This allowed him to continue with his college studies and successfully complete his BTEC Level 2 in Electrical and Electronics and, more recently, a BTEC Level 3 in Mechanical Engineering. The company were so pleased with his positive work ethic and commitment to studying that they have now employed him full-time.
Throughout the Apprenticeship Jack developed an excellent skill set and built up a strong portfolio of experiences. These included working on live projects to specific deadlines, which he believes led to a permanent position at EDC. The company supported Jack throughout the whole process, encouraging his education whilst at the same time helping him complete complimentary qualifications, such as his welding qualification.
Aspire Blaenau Gwent, who arranged the Apprenticeship, have been there throughout and Jack says:
āAspire as a team of talented and friendly individuals have given me such a career boost. As daunting as it is for many people, going off into the world of work, my experience has been a smooth transition thanks to how Aspire have handled it. I've been very fortunate to have had this opportunity and the likes of Julie Robins (Aspire Mentor), just a phone call or message away to sort my problems for me. When I had issues with the College not having tutors or work going missing, it would be resolved quickly and professionally, so thank you for that. Also for the team building exercises, they are great fun and nice to bond with other like-minded folk.
The program is in my opinion is very effective and is what's needed for our community and local infrastructure. Maybe one day I'll have an apprentice of my own who will undergo the same journey as I have just doneā.
As a result of putting everything into his work and overcoming a number of personal problems, which were discussed during his mentoring sessions, the Apprenticeship scheme has really worked for Jack. A combination of excellent college reports and real-life tasks within an operational factory setting has helped him achieve his career potential. At one stage he even took the initiative and designed a table to assist production which proved very successful. This has all amounted to Jackās NVQ Assessor being very impressed with the quality and scale of the work he produced.
Due to Jacks committed throughout the apprenticeship he was entered in the āRising Starā category at the 2019 Aspire Awards. Although there was a lot of competition within this group the judges, recognising his hard work and future potential, awarded him the title. Following on from that success Jack has recently be employed at EDC.
Everyone believes that Jack has a bright future with EDC and has not only proved to be an asset to them but also to the Aspire Blaenau Gwent Shared Apprenticeship programme.