Student’s success with local firm

A local man is encouraging others to take on an apprenticeship.
John Martin, who is completing Higher Level Apprenticeship in Advanced Manufacturing Engineering with Hutchinson Engineering,  Kilrea and studying at Northern Regional College.John Martin, who is completing Higher Level Apprenticeship in Advanced Manufacturing Engineering with Hutchinson Engineering,  Kilrea and studying at Northern Regional College.
John Martin, who is completing Higher Level Apprenticeship in Advanced Manufacturing Engineering with Hutchinson Engineering, Kilrea and studying at Northern Regional College.

John Martin from Coleraine is pursuing a career with Hutchinson Engineering, while completing his Higher Level Apprenticeship in Advanced Manufacturing Engineering at Northern Regional College, Ballymena.

Speaking about the experience so far John said: “I left school with two ‘A’ Levels in Mathematics and Physics a few years ago, and have had a job as well as attending several years at university. I wanted a new challenge and I believed engineering would be a really good fit for me giving my chosen subjects at school. I now realise that I much prefer on the job learning. It is a great way to progress into engineering, and one which I would highly recommend. It is much better than learning from a text book.”

Employment and Learning Minister, Dr Stephen Farry, said he is committed to growing and developing apprenticeship provision in Northern Ireland.

Richard Hutchinson, Operations Director of Hutchinson Engineering, said: “This year we engaged in the Higher Apprenticeship in Advanced Manufacturing Engineering. We believe that engaging apprentices are a vital aspect to our business as it brings in a regular stream of young people. We also believe that on the job training will ensure growth in the local economy.”

More information on Higher Level Apprenticeships is available at: www.nidirect.gov.uk/higher-level-apprenticeships or on the NRC website at: http://business.nrc.ac.uk/specialist-areas/higher-level-apprenticeships or by calling 028 7034 0103.