APPRENTICE INSIGHTS

To celebrate National Apprenticeship Week, we are thrilled to introduce two of our newest apprentices and share their experiences in juggling studying and working, as well as what apprentice life is like at Metis. For anyone considering the apprenticeship route, we highly recommend reading Jermaine and Remell’s stories.

Introducing Jermaine…

Why did you choose Metis for your apprenticeship, and how has it lived up to your expectations?

I was busy tackling A-levels and university when a school email regarding a new opportunity at Metis reached me. While I knew about what a degree apprenticeship entailed, I wasn’t certain if it was the right path for me or if Metis was the ideal fit. I spoke to Luke Meechan, Metis’ chairman and co-founder and to a friend of mine. After our conversation, I felt encouraged to give it a try. Five months later, I can confidently say this has been one of the best decisions I’ve made in my life thus far. I have loved every part of it. The team at Metis has welcomed me with nothing but love and support, and I’m grateful for every single one of them.

Can you share a bit about the projects you’ve found interesting at Metis and how they’ve contributed to your growth as an engineer?

 Personally, the most rewarding aspect is actively working on projects that impact my own community. Witnessing the positive changes on my journey home from work is a feeling that’s hard to describe. It has made me realise the important role engineers play in our community and how vital we are to everyday life.

How do you manage your university studies alongside your job at Metis? Any advice for others considering a similar career path?

Balancing work with university life has been my biggest challenge thus far. It’s far from easy, and there have been difficult moments. However, at Metis, we have such a positive environment. They encourage taking time out for further studying and regularly check up on my university work.

For anyone having doubts regarding a degree apprenticeship or any apprenticeship in general, I urge you to use me as an example. You won’t regret it, and the experience and lessons gained, especially from an engineering perspective, will further elevate you toward your career goals.

Introducing Remell…

Why did you choose Metis for your apprenticeship, and how has it lived up to your expectations?

When I started applying for apprenticeships, I knew I was looking for the opportunity to build my professional experience in a warm and welcoming environment. Five months in, I am pleased to say that I’ve made the right choice. I’ve had the opportunity to build new skills and suggest innovative ideas through the variety of projects I’ve been exposed to and hope to continue developing my knowledge over the apprenticeship period. It feels good to know that working with Metis allows me to make sustainable changes to my local and surrounding communities.

Can you share a bit about the projects you’ve found interesting at Metis and how they’ve contributed to your growth as an engineer?

Here at Metis, there’s so much to get involved in! Working in Infrastructure Management, I’ve been exposed to industry-leading tools, onsite projects, and have been encouraged to think of efficient solutions to problems.

For example, we are currently working with Transport for London (TfL) to develop a prioritisation for the Vehicle Restraint Systems (VRS) along their network. I have been at the centre of the delivery for this project and have worked with a team that motivates me to think of creative yet feasible ways to handle data. I am developing my engineering judgment so that I can make informed decisions as a future project manager.

How do you manage your university studies alongside your job at Metis? Any advice for others considering a similar career path?

Luckily, the current workload I have at university is not too overbearing, and it’s been great networking with other aspiring civil engineers through group projects.

I anticipate that the workload will increase a bit over the apprenticeship period, in which case, I would continue to keep a diary as I always have. It enables you to manage your time effectively and motivate yourself to achieve goals within a set time frame. It’s incredibly satisfying to have a visual representation of all the things we have accomplished.

Getting used to both the university and working world can be a big jump mentally, so I also encourage everyone to ask questions and to look for an environment in which they feel comfortable to do so.

Future Apprenticeships at Metis

Thank you for reading about Jermaine and Remell’s apprenticeship experiences at Metis. For future updates about apprenticeships and insights from Metis, follow us on LinkedIn. We look forward to staying connected with you.