We are proud to have provided young adults with opportunities to obtain valuable academic qualifications alongside crucial industry experience through our apprenticeship scheme for over 30 years. What began as an engineering apprenticeship has since evolved to accommodate a wider range of roles across our business, including accounting, business administration, HR, marketing, and more.

After another successful year of supporting our apprentices in earning their qualifications, many are now progressing into more senior roles within our business. We recently spoke to some of our former apprentices, who have since advanced in their careers at Protec, to hear about their apprenticeship experiences and where their journeys have taken them.

Name: Jack R

Apprentice Job Role: Test Room Apprentice

Current Job Role: Production Planner for the Specials department

What does your journey at Protec look like so far?

I began my journey with Protec in 2018 as an apprentice in the Test department. During my first two years, I successfully earned my BTEC in Electrical and Electronic Engineering alongside my Level 3 NVQ. The next two years were dedicated to completing my HNC qualification in Electrical and Electronic Engineering.

Since finishing my apprenticeship, I’ve transitioned into the production office, where I currently serve as a Production Planner for the Specials department. Along the way, I’ve also taken on additional responsibilities, broadening my skills, and contributing to the team in various ways.

In September 2024, I began working towards my HND, which I aim to complete by June/July.

For anyone starting out as an apprentice, what advise would you give them?

The two pieces of advice I would offer are to embrace every learning opportunity and to never hesitate to ask questions. Staying curious and proactive will be essential to your growth and success in the role.

Are you Happy you chose to do an apprenticeship?

Absolutely! It’s given me the perfect balance of hands-on experience and academic learning, allowing me to develop practical skills while earning valuable qualifications. The opportunity to learn directly in the workplace has been incredibly rewarding, and it’s helped me build a strong foundation for my career.

Name: Calvin H

Apprentice Job Role: Test Room Apprentice

Current Job Role: Research & Development Engineer

When did you complete your apprenticeship with Protec?

I completed the first stage of my apprenticeship in 2018, but then after a few years, I joined a higher education apprenticeship program, and graduated in 2022.

What qualifications have you obtained?

The main qualifications I have obtained are a HNC, a HND, and a Degree (Hons) in Electronic and Electrical Engineering.

Through Protec, I have achieved some ancillary qualifications, such as a Level 1 and Level 2 in Dante Networks.

What are your next ambitions?

To continue to progress my career in R&D, working towards being a Senior R&D Engineer.

Are you glad you chose to do an apprenticeship?

Of course, not only am I further than where I would be if I had chosen to go straight into a degree, but I have earned money every step of the way and I don’t have a Student Loan Debt.

What was the most rewarding part of your apprenticeship?

Having my skills and knowledge be recognised, and being rewarded accordingly for the hard-work I have put in, and continue to put in.

Name: Jack F

Apprentice Job Role: Test Room Apprentice

Current Job Role: NW Regional Engineering Manager

How long have you been with Protec?

I started at Protec in 2011, so 14 years.

What does your Protec journey look like so far?
Started off in the factory as a test room apprentice, progressed to a trainee engineer working within the NW, then progressed to a service and commission engineer. I then came into the office as a technical supervisor for the NW service team, and then into my current position as NW regional engineering manager.

Which training provider was your apprenticeship with and how did it work?
I completed my course at Burnley college, and this was on a day release.

What are your next ambitions?
My next ambitions are to keep progressing in my career and hopefully a further promotion within the company.

What was the most rewarding part of your apprenticeship?
Gaining a career and a skillset that will be with me for life. Making new friends and relationships as well as allowing me to grow as a person.

For anyone starting out as an apprentice, what advise would you give them?
I would say the main importance is knowing what your goals are, formulating a plan and sticking to it to achieve what you set out to. Enjoy the process and be open to new ways of working/growing as a individual.

Looking to start an apprenticeship?

If you’re considering a future career in construction or engineering, or if you’re at a point in life where you at a crossroads where you need to choose between full-time education or entering the full-time working world, an apprenticeship could be the perfect solution. It offers a hybrid approach, combining academic qualifications with valuable real-world experience.
For the majority of our apprenticeships, we now offer them all year-round, meaning you can join us at any time, not just between May and August.

To learn more and apply, visit our apprentice page