Cahen Venn's journey through an apprenticeship
Discovering My Passion
The journey to my apprenticeship began during my GCSE studies when I found myself torn between two significant interests: nursing and engineering. My inclination towards nursing was influenced by my mother, but engineering sparked a thrilling curiosity within me. After finishing my GCSEs, I aimed for A Levels in engineering after realizing I didn't score enough points for A Level Biology.
However, a disruption came in the form of a severe COVID-19 outbreak, leading to lockdowns that severely hampered my motivation. Studying from home and relying solely on PowerPoint presentations turned daunting, and I struggled to retain information. Despite the challenges, I persevered, completed my assignments, and passed my exams.
Initially, I envisioned an apprenticeship in the Navy, but after taking a year off to reevaluate my interests and working night shifts at Waitrose, I felt a lingering desire to pursue an apprenticeship. After learning about my friend's company and its opportunities, I applied, attended an interview, and was thrilled to secure my Machining Technician apprenticeship at Bradman Lake.
The Value of Training
Embarking on this apprenticeship has been transformative. I have gained a sense of pride in what I contribute to my company, and I now possess the confidence to believe in my skills and abilities as I navigate my role. Moreover, this experience has granted me a newfound freedom—I can explore my interests in engineering while contributing to meaningful projects.
Encouragement for Future Apprentices
To anyone considering an apprenticeship, I urge you to embrace the opportunity. My experiences in GCSE and A Levels left me disenchanted with traditional education, and I initially feared an apprenticeship might mirror those struggles. However, I was pleasantly surprised by the level of support and understanding from my instructors at Swatpro, delivered at BEMA’s superb facilities.
An apprenticeship isn't merely a path to a job; it’s a stepping stone that can set you up for life. The training you receive in this environment is invaluable, and the practical skills gained far outweigh the classroom experience.
A Grateful Heart
I am incredibly grateful for the support and guidance I have received from my instructors and classmates. Transitioning from my night shifts to my new role as an apprentice has significantly improved my happiness and overall outlook on my career path.
In conclusion, I wholeheartedly believe that pursuing an engineering apprenticeship is one of the best decisions I have made, and I encourage others to consider it as a viable route to a fulfilling career.
