This week is National Apprentice Week. We want to use this week to celebrate the progression, development and success of some of our apprentices. We are proud to have over 80 apprentices across Hyde Group and sponsor them to complete their qualifications, whilst training them in the skills they need to advance in the engineering industry.
Sadie Kennedy
For example, we supported Sadie Kennedy through her City & Guilds Welding & Fabrications LV2 and LV3 qualifications and continue to sponsor her as she enters the final year of her Higher National Certificate in Mechanical Engineering. Sadie started working at Hyde Details (Fabrications & Welding) in 2017, when she left her job at a supermarket in what she described as a move from ‘a job to a career.’ She explained that she comes from a family of joiners and wanted to find a trade that she could ‘work her way up in’ and found this with welding. She enjoys ‘learning on the job everyday’ and credits her rapid skill development to ‘constantly learning from more experienced engineers.’
However, we weren’t the only ones to recognise Sadie’s welding potential, as in 2021 she reached the final four in the SEMTA Apprentice of the Year competition. Following the competition Sadie explained that school never told her that welding was an option and would heavily ‘encourage more young women to get involved in engineering.’
Kieran Adams
Kieran Adams is another apprentice who was looking for a company where he could progress. After working in the pharmaceutical industry for five years he joined Hyde Aero Products as a Quality Assistant. At the age of 24 he was slightly older than most apprentices, but, spotting potential in him, Hyde Group sponsored his apprenticeship and qualifications. Rising to the challenge, he completed his BTEC LV3 in Mechanical Engineering at Tameside College. He then went on to complete a Diploma in Engineering Technical Support and is currently working on his Higher National Certificate in Project & Quality Management at Preston College.
Kieran moved to Hyde Details as a Quality Engineer and was then promoted to Senior Quality Engineer at Hyde’s Stoneswood Precision Components. He’s ‘enjoying the challenge’ and aims to continue advancing his career at Hyde, ‘aspiring to become a Quality Manager.’
Megan Grice
Megan Grice is an apprentice CNC Milling Machinist currently working at Park Engineering. Megan also has aspirations to go into management but wants ‘a few more years on the floor to further master the trade.’ Her interest in engineering began when completing her A Level in 3D Design at Ashton Sixth Form College, where a teacher suggested Megan should pursue a career in engineering.
Hyde Group supported her interest, sponsoring her to undertake her BTEC LV3 in Mechanical Engineering at the Stockport Engineering Training Association and continues to fund her through her Higher National Certificate in Mechanical Engineering at Tameside College. She describes working at Hyde Group as a ‘strong community’ and enjoys the vibrant and bright atmosphere at Park Engineering’s new facility in Stalybridge.
James Elliott
James Elliott first encountered Hyde Group at 15 years old when doing his work experience at Hyde Aero Products. Hyde were impressed with his diligence and work ethic so offered to finance his apprenticeship. He accepted and began his career as a CNC Milling Machinist at Hyde’s Victoria Production Engineering whilst completing his City & Guilds Mechanical Engineering LV3 at Tameside College.
James currently works at Hyde’s Crest Engineering on the CNC milling machines. He explained that he wants to ‘get on to the more complex 5 axis milling machines’ and eventually ‘head upstairs’ and ‘work his way up from the floor.’ He said that he ‘loves working for Hyde Group.’ He learns ‘from everyone everyday’, feels ‘a strong support from HR’ and enjoys the social opportunities that arise from the apprentice forums.
The final apprentice we celebrate in this year’s National Apprentice Week is Adam Creek. Adam completed his LV3 Mechanical Engineering Diploma at Stockport College, whilst working part time at a recycling plant. Following his graduation from college, Adam continued working at the plant for five more months, before capitalising on an opening as a CNC Milling Machinist at Hyde’s Crest Engineering. He then completed his CQI and IRCA ISO 9001 internal auditor course. Hyde Group funded Adam to take a LV4 Quality Practitioner course and then promoted him to the role of Quality Engineer/Auditor at Hyde Group Limited.
Adam explained he really enjoys this role as he gets ‘to see all the companies’ and this enables him to compare the businesses and ‘make constant improvements.’ He said ‘I see myself as a company man and want to excel in the Hyde Group.’