Former Oxford Apprentice

•  Why did you choose the apprenticeship at Oxford? - I applied for an apprenticeship with Oxford, but actually got a position which wasn't originally advertised! Chemistry had put the advert in looking for an electrical/electronic apprentice and a mechanical one. Materials then jumped in too, looking for somebody.
  

• Which department did you work in? And what was the best part about working there? - I worked for the Materials department, in the electron microscopy suite. I was able to develop many skills as my work involved mechanics, electronics, plumbing, photographic developing, and lots more. This was the best part as I rarely had the same day twice due to different problems occurring.
  
  
•  What was the highlight of your course?
  - The highlight for me was probably the moment when students/users of the instruments began to trust that if they came to me with a problem/questions that I could actually help them. That’s when I knew I could start applying my experience and skills fully to the job. Plus I worked with a great team of people which always makes any job nicer.
  

•  How has your career progressed since your apprenticeship?
  - Once I finished, my position began to evolved and I became more involved in the user support and training of the instrumentation rather than just fixing it and assisting with their questions. Since April last year I am now working for CERN in the radiation protection group, working for the instrumentation and logistics section. This has been a great learning curve again, and due to my work I have visited most of the major experimental areas of CERN!
  

•  What advice would you give to someone currently doing their apprenticeship at Oxford? - For anybody currently completing an apprenticeship, keep learning! Always see if there is anything else you can do, further courses/training etc. I asked to go back to college to get my HND, which with some flexibility of working hours, my department agreed to. Plus if I hadn’t left for CERN then I was looking at enrolling to complete my degree. It never hurts to ask your supervisor/administrator what else there is beyond your job description.

• Describe your apprenticeship at Oxford in 3 words. 
   -  Fun with big machines J (sorry that was 4)