Hailing from Bradford, Christian is six months into a four-year apprenticeship, studying Mechanical and Electrical Engineering.
Route into apprenticeship
"I went to college for two years to study electrical engineering at Level 3. I went on to become an apprentice as I wanted to work and learn at the same time."
Why PPS?
"When I was at college, a friend told me about the training provider Appris, and I signed up with them. They are based in Bradford and specialise in delivering engineering and manufacturing apprenticeships. I didn’t know much about air compressors, but I thought working with them would be interesting and I wanted to find out more. I hadn’t realised how many companies rely on compressed air, in particular manufacturers.
"I like the mix of being in the workshop and also out on the road. Plus everyone who works here is really easy to get on with – it’s a very welcoming environment."
Path of study
"I do one full day at college a week and four days working at PPS. I’m expecting my area of specialism to be electrical work. We get assignments every week but there’s a lot of support. Every month, a tutor from Appris comes in to check how we’re getting on and there’s plenty of help and support from the people I’m working with at PPS."
What do you enjoy most about the job?
"Mainly breakdowns, as I enjoy problem solving. It can be tricky trying to find a fault, but I like to be challenged."
What sort of jobs have you been part of?
"All sorts, both mechanical and electrical. I’ve been to quite a few food manufacturers. You can’t always see the fault straight away but not much stumps the PPS engineers and we’ll stay there until we find what’s wrong and fix it. It’s not always a machine fault: one time it turned out to be water dripping through a wire, which was stopping the converter working."
What has been the most interesting application you have seen?
"Installing a new motor and inverter at a manufacturer of skin care products. I also went to a company that uses compressors as part of the process of burning medical waste, where we took out an old compressor and installed a new one."
What has been the most unexpected part of the role?
"Finding out that lots of industries you wouldn’t think of use compressed air."
What’s next for you?
"In the summer I’ll move back to the electrical side as we get experience of both mechanical and electrical. I’m also looking forward to getting a van in the future – I start driving lessons next month and passing my test is the goal for this year."
If this type of role sounds like something you would be interest in doing why not come along to the Appris Engineering Apprenticeship Open Evening on Thursday 7th March. PPS will be there along with other engineering and manufacturing firms from around the region. Register to attend here and we will see you there!