National Apprenticeship Week: A chat with Conor Linegar

This week, Advanced Dynamics is celebrating National Apprenticeship Week, with this year representing the 15th week-long national celebration of apprenticeships that brings together businesses and apprentices across the UK to highlight the positive impact that apprenticeships make to individuals, businesses and the wider economy.

It’s also worth noting that the theme for National Apprenticeship Week 2022 is ‘Build the Future’ – during the campaign many will be reflecting on how apprenticeships can help individuals to develop the skills and knowledge required for a rewarding career, and how businesses can develop a talented workforce equipped with future-ready skills.

A little over two years ago, we took on our first three apprentices with the help of Appris Engineering College in Bradford, and we couldn’t be prouder of the progress they have made within our business and team. And so over the course of this week, we’re going to hear from each of them, finding out about why they decided to follow the apprenticeship route, what the biggest benefits of taking up an apprentice role are, and what their plans are for the future. 

First up in our mini-series we have Conor Linegar…

Q: An easy one to get started with, Conor. When did your apprenticeship start?

A: 25 August 2020.

Q: Did you always have ambitions to get into a hands-on role before your apprenticeship?

A: Yes, all my previous work had been hands-on and I wanted a practical role right from leaving school.

Q: Why did you choose an apprenticeship over further education?

A: I started college and found I needed more money as I was relying too much on my mum, so the idea of earning while learning was appealing.

At the time, I was not enjoying the L3 Electronic and Electrical Engineering course I was doing at college; my class was a little reckless, and I found I wasn’t learning much. During that time, I was offered an opportunity by my cousin to work for his friend. The money was more than I’d ever had and so I picked up odd days with him and saw it as work experience. 

Eventually, I was offered full-time work and I took it. After a year with the company, I realised I was becoming unhappy as I had no path to progress any further. At that point, I felt ready to take the next step, and that’s when I decided to take the apprenticeship route through Appris.

Q: So, why did an apprenticeship at Advanced Dynamics appeal to you? How did you find out about it?

A: I found out about Appris through a friend who was lucky enough to get an apprenticeship straight out of school. 

After registering with the college, I was contacted about the apprenticeship with Advanced Dynamics and managed to secure an interview. 

The people at the interview were great and the apprenticeship sounded like what I was looking for. There was something about the people at Advanced Dynamics which really appealed to me.

Q: Well, you got through that process and joined up with us. Since then, what part of your apprenticeship have you enjoyed the most?

A: I enjoy working onsite with the other engineers as I feel like this is where I learn the most. I’ve enjoyed building relationships with qualified engineers and feel like I’ve got some solid friendships and mentorships to rely on.

Q: What has been the biggest learning experience from your time as an apprentice at Advanced Dynamics?

A: Seeing the whole process from start to end, as opposed to learning and only being involved in individual jobs throughout the process. It’s much more interesting, much more rewarding and much more motivational.

Q: What are the three biggest benefits of choosing an apprenticeship?

A: I’ll go for…

• Earning while learning is a big bonus. It means that you can study without needing a second full-time job.
• Meeting the amazing people that I wouldn’t have met without the apprenticeship.
• Travelling, and gaining many new experiences that have developed me as a person.

Q: Do you have an idea of what you want to achieve in the future?

A: I want to become a fully qualified engineer and then continue to learn and develop in this trade and this company.

I want to continue learning, developing, and gaining higher qualifications as my ultimate goal is to become my own boss.

Q: Love the ambition! What would your advice be to anyone thinking about an apprenticeship?

A: Jump at the opportunity and keep your mind open as some great opportunities can come along if you’re open to them. Don’t settle for less than you are worth.

Q: Is there anything else you would like to add regarding your experience of apprenticeships?

A: It sets you up for life. I’ve found that having an apprenticeship has started me on a pathway with a whole career to pursue. It’s given me direction, new experiences that I wouldn’t be getting otherwise, and offers a career that will support me for life. 

Next up in our series later this week, we will be speaking with Jedd Kedzierski and Adam Barrett….