Luke Caruana – Case Study

Airline Services Limited

Luke-Caruana-fullI was first introduced to Engineering when I was in Year 10 whilst I was a student at Wellacre Academy in Flixton. I knew that I wanted a career which would involve practical, hands on work. I completed a GCSE in Engineering where I was able to produce drawings, use Autocad software and begin using the machines. I then continued on to Sixth Form at Wellacre and completed a PEO (Performing Engineering Operations) Level 2 qualification.

As I finished my qualification, I was approached by Stegta as they had a vacancy which they thought I might be interested in. I was interviewed and assessed by Stegta’s recruitment team and they arranged an interview for me at Airline Services Ltd. I attended the interview and was invited back to the company for a 3 day work experience trial. Prior to this Stegta arranged for me to undertake some intensive training on a milling machine at the Stegta’s Manchine Room at Wellacre. This additional training was with one of Stegta’s Training Officer’s Dave Harrison, as this was something that I hadn’t covered as part of my PEO. During my trial at Airline Services Ltd I was able to observe and shadow some of the team using the different machines and ask questions. This was a great way for me to get a better understanding of what the job involved. I was eventually offered the position and have now been employed at Airline Services for 3 months as an Apprentice Tool Maker.

I have started my BTEC Extended Diploma in Engineering Level 3 and I attend Wigan and Leigh College on a day release basis. I am also able to use a wider variety of machines at college such as the milling machine, lathe and surface grinder. As well as the practical side, I also get the chance to learn more about how Engineering companies are structured and managed.

I’ve been assigned a Training Officer by Stegta, Mark Neild, who comes to visit me in the workplace every 5-6 weeks. He sets tasks for me to complete at work and I am able to produce the evidence required by taking photographs of my work then writing about the method, tools and materials I’ve used as well as any problems I encountered and any improvements I could make etc. Mark is really supportive and is always on hand if I have any queries.

I really enjoy my role and being part of a team and feel I have developed my knowledge immensely since starting at Airline Services Ltd. My knowledge of using the machines is increasing all of the time as well as my communication skills and confidence. My goal is to be a qualified Tool Maker in the next 3-4 years. I think an Apprenticeship is a great way to learn new skills in a working environment whilst earning money at the same time and was definitely the best route for me to take.

Luke’s Manager, Adrian Evans, Head of Tooling and Injection Moulding also added “I’ve dealt with Stegta in the past and have always found them to be very helpful, particularly with the assistance provided in the recruitment and selection phase of our Apprenticeship initiative. Luke is progressing well and we are more than happy with the service provided.”