08 February 2023
Continuing to share success stories of apprentices from within our business, we spoke to Mechanical Apprentice Will Coram at Runcorn Docks.
“My name is Will Coram, I am 21, from Manchester and currently working as a Mechanical Apprentice on the Manchester Shipping Canal.”
“I decided to go for the apprenticeship at Peel Ports because I wanted a hands-on job where I would learn new technical skills that I couldn’t learn from university or in an office job. I believe apprenticeships are the best of both worlds as they allow you to gain job experience whilst coming out with useful and relevant qualifications. I have been lucky to experience just that, having achieved my HNC whilst on apprenticeship with Peel Ports.”
“Already, I have learnt a variety of new skills relevant to my future career. I have learnt how to pack and maintain pumps, bridge engines, piston heads, gate rams and more. In addition, I have learnt how to maintain and operate sluice gates on the canal. All these skills are helping me become a better mechanical engineer but there are still so many abilities for me to develop that I look forward to tackling.“
Will’s high point so far has come from being able to spend a greater deal of time in the real-world work environment.
“The best part of my apprenticeship so far has been making the shift from being primarily based in college, to primarily based on site. Being able to spend four days a week gaining first-hand, practical experience has been invaluable to my development”
“Looking forward I am hoping to become a fully qualified mechanical engineer with Peel Ports and continue to further my both my knowledge and skills over the coming years.“
Will’s hopes are unpinned by the experiences of his Line Manager, Kieran Sait:
“I began my own career by completing a mechanical engineering apprenticeship with Peel Ports and am now working as an engineering supervisor, which in itself shows that Peel are committed to furthering the knowledge, skills and career of apprentices. I would recommend the scheme to any young people like Will who are looking for that next step in their education and career.”
For more information on the apprenticeship program at Peel Ports, please click here.