Arturs Suna
Engineering Supervisor | Vogal Group
After completing my GCSE qualifications I wasn’t sure whether to join the sixth form and study A Levels or to consider an Apprenticeship. I was almost 17 at the time and saw the Vogal Apprenticeship programme opportunity, which was supported by ECITB so I decided to apply.
I felt the Apprenticeship option was the right one for me as I was able to learn, develop good workplace skills, become an engineer, gain valuable qualifications and earn a salary at the same time. I saw it as entry to a rewarding career without having to go away to university.
Undertaking the Apprenticeship was hard at the beginning, to learn and work was challenging, and I received a training salary to start, but once I became semi-skilled and then fully qualified the financial rewards changed significantly for me.
The Apprenticeship has really helped me a lot. It has given me a career in an industry I really enjoy, financial stability to be able to buy the car I want, and I am now saving for my first home.
I was also promoted to the role of Chargehand which allowed me to develop my onsite skills and knowledge further then after 18 months I was promoted again to Supervisor.
My Apprenticeship and engineering as a career have helped me to develop skills and knowledge, which I can use in my day-to-day life, and I have gained a lot of new qualifications. I feel it has made me into the person I am today. I am determined, punctual and respectful. It has given me motivation to succeed as I know the rewards in the end are worth it.
In the future I would like to gain further promotion to a management role or perhaps start my own business. I have considered undertaking more qualifications but at the moment, a Degree Apprenticeship doesn’t appeal to me as I feel like I have enough options with my career with the current qualifications that I have. I know I have options to learn more in the future when the time is right.
When I am not working, I enjoy cycling, swimming, going for walks and enjoying a good time with my friends and family. I am happy with the journey my Apprenticeship has taken me on far and look forward to the next part of it.
The Apprenticeship was the right option for me so I would encourage everyone to look at it as an opportunity, which may be the right career move for them.