Earn-while-you-learn is a real benefit

Apprentices Lloyd Barber and Saul Ashton have learned from the cream of Staffordshire’s engineering talent  – by combining on-the-job experience at Unilathe while receiving expert training at The JCB Academy.

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Through the training provider partnership, both Lloyd and Saul worked one day a week at Unilathe while undergoing practical and theoretical studies at the Rocester-based academy for four days a week.

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Following a successful 12-months assessment, the two have now commenced full-time as machinists at Unilathe and will be assessed on an ongoing 12-week basis by a work-based coach visiting them from The JCB Academy.

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Both say the earn-while-you-learn apprenticeship experience has been, for them, the best path to take and has helped them, both in terms of finances and career progression.

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Saul, 20, said: “It has really helped me gain the practical skills and hands-on knowledge I need for a job in engineering. Both Unilathe and The JCB Academy are experts in their field, so I have learned from the very best. I have plenty of ambition to progress in my field and this has stood me in really good stead.”

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Lloyd, 17 said: “The apprenticeship really helped with my finances as it meant I was actually earning money immediately after leaving school. That is a real benefit compared to other kinds of further and higher education.

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“I have learned so much in just a year and I’m looking to take the next steps with the help of a great team here at Unilathe.”