#NAW2021 Apprenticeship Case Study: Jake Butler, Engineering Degree Apprentice at GE Aviation

National Apprenticeship Week 2021

Gloucestershire College is a proud champion of apprenticeships. To celebrate National Apprenticeship Week 2021, we are showcasing success stories from our amazing apprentices and employers.

We caught up with 19-year-old Jake Butler, an Engineering Degree Apprentice at GE Aviation, who came from Sir Thomas Rich’s School in Gloucester after having studied Mathematics, Physics and Product Design A Levels. Jake is part of our Embedded Electronic Systems Design and Development Engineer Degree Apprenticeship here at Gloucestershire College.

Jake Butler, Engineering Degree Apprentice at GE Aviation

Why did you decide to do an engineering apprenticeship?

I’ve always enjoyed learning how things work and grew up around like-minded people in my family, which exposed me to their interests and hobbies. I chose to do an apprenticeship because I enjoy being hands-on and learning through doing. By working and studying part time, I get to practice what I learn and network with an industry of professionals in my field.

Tell us a bit about your apprenticeship.

On my apprenticeship, we rotate around the business in different job roles every six months to increase out exposure. Currently, I’m producing a new piece of software to drive acceptance tests using power test equipment.

I enjoy the responsibility of working on live engineering projects, which makes the job both challenging and rewarding, whilst providing me with a large amount of competency evidence for applications such as IET EngTech (The Institute of Engineering and Technology Engineering Technician) and IEng (Incorporated Engineer) status.

I would recommend an apprenticeship to others as it provides you with a unique opportunity to learn in the field and make use of knowledgeable contacts in the business to help you. It also develops your soft skills to become a more rounded person, increasing your employability once the programme has been completed.

What’s been your biggest achievement so far?

I worked in a new team to deliver over 500 patient monitors for the NHS, as part of a joint effort with GE Healthcare. This exposed me to a completely new team and way of working, including key lessons learned about managing production and the importance of Lean working, which maximises customer value whilst minimising waste.

What do you want to do after completing your apprenticeship?

I hope to join GE Aviation as a full-time employee in my chosen area, based on which rotations I enjoy during my apprenticeship. I would then like to continue gathering evidence and apply for CEng (Chartered Engineer) status with the IET.

How would you rate your time training at GC so far?

My time at GC has encouraged me to become more independent and take control of my own deadlines, and the facilities available make it easy to complete practical tasks and learn electronics in a hands-on manner. At GE Aviation, I’ve received a lot of support from my technical lead in my current rotation; they have helped me to learn a new programming language and progress to developing brand new, complex software for a live engineering project within just a few months.

Apply to become an apprentice with Gloucestershire College

If Jake’s experience has inspired you to start a career in engineering, you can apply for our apprenticeship programmes online today. Click on the links below to apply online through our website or get in touch with our friendly apprenticeship team with any questions by emailing: apprenticeshipvacancies@gloscol.ac.uk

• Level 2 Engineering Operative
• Level 3 Engineering Technician (Technical Support Mechanical)
• Level 3 Engineering Technician (Technical Support Technician)
• Level 3 Engineering Technician Machinist
• Level 6 Product Design and Development Engineering Degree
• Level 6 Electronic and Computer Engineering Degree

Watch our NEW engineering showcase video here.

West of England Institute of Technology (WEIoT)

We're a proud partner of WEIoT – a government-funded programme bringing together key academic and employer partners across the region, enabling us to specialise in higher-level technical training in STEM subjects.

Find out more here.

Recruit an apprentice for your business

We have talented, prospective apprentices apply to us all year round. Our Business Hub team can help your organisation to recruit an apprentice and match you with new talent to grow your business. Explore our range of programmes and contact our team via: business.hub@gloscol.ac.uk or call: 01452 563400 to get the ball rolling.