What does an average day look like for you?

The days starts with a daily briefing, this is where we receive any announcements, toolbox talks, important information and where we get our jobs for the day. We then have a chance to discuss our jobs with the supervisor and research the jobs or crane history if required. We then make our way to the crane, taking any tools and materials with us – stopping at the stores if needed. The jobs we are given can range from normal maintenance tasks, preventative maintenance tasks, repair work, defect jobs or working with contractors.

What personal qualities do you think are important to do your job?

A good level of teamwork and communication, the ability to problem solve and work well under pressure are important qualities to successfully do the job.  A level of self-motivation and determination is needed to learn the required knowledge and skills to be able to do the job.

How did you first become interested in engineering?

I became interested in engineering when I started thinking about the bigger picture of different pieces of equipment; how exactly do cars work, what makes then go and make them stop. When I started driving a motorbike; every time something broke, I wanted to know how to fix it and what I needed to do to get it going again. Living opposite the docks and in front of the Esso refinery, the same curiosity transferred onto larger pieces of machinery.

What has been your personal highlight so far?

I enjoy doing difficult jobs that require a lot of thinking and work to complete – seeing the machine go back to work once the job is complete gives a great level of job satisfaction.

Why did you choose to do an apprenticeship?

I chose to do an apprentice because I wanted a more hands-on job that engages my brain by challenging my knowledge and abilities on a daily basis, I chose this job as it gives me the opportunity for continuous personal development.

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