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• Bruce Riley – Process Operator Apprentice - Hillhouse

  About Me

  Hi I’m Bruce and I am an Apprentice Process Operator in the VMC at Hillhouse. When I’m not working I enjoy competing in MMA (Mixed Martial Arts) which is my main hobby!

  Future Studies

  I chose to do an apprenticeship as I like the idea of gaining genuine workplace experience whilst gaining a qualification.

  When I complete my apprenticeship and gain good grades. I’m looking forward to continuing as a qualified operator whilst continuing to learn from my colleagues and friends within Victrex.

  I think the best part of being an apprentice is gaining experience whilst getting college grades. You are also being paid whilst doing this which is a bonus. It can be very hard balancing a part time job as well as being at college full time … so choosing an apprenticeship was my way of earning whilst learning instead!

• Sioned Morris – Administration Officer, RAPS (Regulatory Affairs & Product Stewardship)- Hillhouse

  About me

  I grew up in a small hamlet in North Wales called Llangynhafal.

  I studied Fine Art at University, relocated to Lancashire in 2019, I have a young son and a daughter on the way.

  Future Studies

  When I return from maternity leave, I would like to work towards the Level 5 Apprenticeship in Management and Leadership.

  After studying a Degree in Fine Art, then working in childcare for almost 5 years, I was ready to move into a different career path. With a young family, I felt that an Apprenticeship could be a good opportunity so that I could earn money, study and receive on the job training. This is when I saw the Apprenticeship vacancy at Victrex so decided to apply.

  During my Apprenticeship I worked on a project to manage questionnaires coming into the RAPS mailbox. I felt proud to be given the task, there was no structured system in place so it allowed me to develop a robust process that would benefit the team and stakeholders.

  I completed my Apprenticeship back in November 2023 with a Distinction and feel very proud of my achievement.

  One of my biggest highlights during my Apprenticeship has been the support I received from both my team and the wider stakeholders, their valuable expertise helped me progress through the course successfully.

  I have also found it beneficial to talk to other current and former Apprentices at Victrex, I found their advice inspiring and has helped me make an informed choice about my future career opportunities with Victrex.

• Lauren Serginson - Process Operator Apprentice – Seal Sands

  About me

  I live in Hartlepool and enjoy going to the gym to stay healthy and socialising with friends.

  I love running and participate in a weekly run club that focuses on the social aspect.

  I am training for the Middlesbrough Half Marathon.

  Traveling with family and friends is another passion of mine, especially exploring new places to enjoy the sights and cultures.

  Future Studies
  

  I've always liked the idea of learning on the job and working towards a recognised qualification. Working in the Chemical Industry has been a dream of mine since I was young and I am currently undertaking a Science and Manufacturing Technician Apprenticeship.

  Over the past six months, I've gained a lot of knowledge at college and on-site training. The first module at college was a safety module, which included learning all the laws and regulations surrounding safety. Safety is crucial, and everything we learn always ties back to it. We are also introduced to different equipment used on-site, which I make presentations on and present to my peers. This has improved my presentation skills, and I can now identify the equipment while on-site.

  Working on the rigs at college and visiting Seal Sands has taught me the importance of teamwork, as we must work together to solve problems and find solutions. This has enhanced my attention to detail, as anything can contribute to an issue. While on-site, I was introduced to P&IDs, which I found challenging at first, but with help and practice, I was able to follow them. I also gained a better understanding of how the plant operates.

  The main highlight so far has been visiting the Seal Sands site last November. With the plant being on a scheduled ‘maintenance shut down’ at the time, it was interesting to see how the maintenance work was being carried out and any issues being resolved by the team. I also really enjoyed working in the ‘Pastilliser’, as I got hands-on experience while being taught the process by my colleagues. At the start of my apprenticeship, we were learning a lot of chemistry at college. I found this very challenging at times, but with the support of my tutors and home learning, I was able to pass my exam and retain the information.

  The best part about doing an apprenticeship is being able to learn while gaining on-the-job experience and receiving help and knowledge from colleagues with extensive industry experience. If anyone is considering doing an apprenticeship, I would highly recommend it! I've already learned so much in such a short time, my knowledge grows daily, and I'm thoroughly enjoying the experience.

  I’m focused on learning as much as possible at college and applying this through on site experience. I hope my future is bright at Victrex, I would love to become a shift leader, it’s an exciting role that I aspire to once I have gained more experience.

• Jasmine Bamber – Process Operator Apprentice - Hillhouse

  About me

  I was born and raised locally in Fleetwood, I love the outdoors, keeping fit and I am a member of the ladies cricket team which I love playing.

  Future Studies

  After my Apprenticeship, I would like to continue studying and complete the Level 4 Team Leader qualification.

  I have worked at Victrex for 3 years, formally in Admin and now in Manufacturing.

  So why the change? Well, I wanted to move away from an office based job and have a more hands on role so began doing some work experience on the Powder Plant to see if working on plant interested me.

  One of achievements so far has been whilst working on the Compounding Plant, I spent a week testing Zelec kegs for moisture content. If moisture was detected, a desiccant bag had to be added to each individual keg. In 3 days I managed to get through 280 kegs, an achievement I am proud of and I was recognised by my colleagues and team leaders for my effort.

  The biggest highlight of my career is being the first female Process Operator for Victrex. I am honoured and very proud to be given the opportunity to prove that it doesn’t have to be a male dominated role. At times, the role can be challenging but nothing that can’t be resolved with control measures put into place, adaptation methods and seeking support from colleagues.

  For me, the best part about studying an Apprenticeship is that you get the opportunity to gain hands on experience within the industry, whilst earning a wage and gaining a qualification that will support career progression in the future.

• Aiden Brodrick - Electrical Maintenance Technician Apprentice - Hillhouse

  About me

  Hi, I'm Aiden, and I'm an Electrical Maintenance Apprentice in the second year of my Apprenticeship.
  

  I play for a local Sunday league football team, and I enjoy spending time with my friends.
  

  Future Studies

  After my Apprenticeship, I would like to complete my HNC and progress into more senior roles within Engineering.
  

  I wanted to start an Apprenticeship because I believed it was the best way to begin my career in Electrical Engineering, something I wanted to do when I left school.

  I get to work with experienced colleagues who support me in learning electrical maintenance tasks where I can demonstrate my knowledge learnt at College and then apply them on the job at work.

  Working at Hillhouse can be challenging because of the diverse tasks required, however, I find it incredibly rewarding, if I arrive at a job that I have never completed before it is satisfying to fix the problem or learn about a specific system which I have never seen before.

  For me, the best thing about doing an Apprenticeship is the equal learning between going to college and then working hands on. You learn the theory at college and then you can apply that knowledge on plant.

• Maddie Johnson – Stores & Purchasing Assistant - Hillhouse

  About me
  

  Hi, I’m Maddie, I’m a Purchasing and Stores Assistant in my second year of my Level 3 Apprenticeship.

  I enjoy socialising with friends and keeping fit. I also have a Level 3 qualifications in Travel and Tourism and Business Studies.
  

  Future Studies

  I will start my End Point Assessment in September and my goal is to progress within the Purchasing and Engineering sector.
  

  After finishing College, I felt that an Apprenticeship was a good pathway for me to learn a new career whilst earning money and gaining a qualification.

  I am the first Apprentice to work in Engineering Stores and one task I am particularly proud of is contributing to the Engineering Store's improvement plan from FY24 to FY25. I conducted stock counts and organised the store for audit purposes by arranging redundant stock articles and designating specific areas for non-stock items.

  At the start of my studies, I received a formal diagnosis of dyslexia. The support I have received from Victrex and College has been invaluable. I have been given special considerations during exams and within learning environments which has allowed me to make progress and succeed.

  I highly recommend Apprenticeships, they open up numerous career paths and opportunities.

• Taylor Fort – Process Operator Apprentice – Hillhouse

  About Me

  I’m 21 and really into fitness, especially going to the gym. I also love sports, with football and golf being my favourites. When I’m not out with friends, I enjoy watching TV series … whether it’s action, drama, or sports-related shows.

  Future Studies

  I chose to do an apprenticeship because I always knew I wanted to go straight into work after school, and an apprenticeship is the best way to do that. It allows you to learn on the job while earning a wage at the same time.

  I am due to finish in September 2025, but I am currently working towards finishing earlier as I am slightly ahead of schedule.

  My career goals are to continue to work towards completing my apprenticeship. Following completing this, I want to work towards becoming a PTL of my current area VCP (Victrex Compounding Plant).

  I am proud of completing my tier 1 and 2 validation and I am now currently on with completing my tier 3 which edges myself closer to becoming a fully qualified operator.

  A highlight of my time as an apprentice, has been meeting my cohort as we’ve all grown close as friends and enjoy our time together in and outside of work.

  But the best part of an apprenticeship is gaining hands-on experience while earning. It makes you job-ready and boosts employability.

  So, if you're considering one, go for it! It’s a great way to learn, earn, and build a strong career.

• William Lindsay - Process Operator Apprentice - Hillhouse

  About Me

  Hello, I’m Willliam Lindsay and in my spare time I like to play in a 6 aside football team with my mates. Another hobby of mine is playing the guitar, which I’ve been playing for 6 months.

  Future Studies

  I wanted to do an apprenticeship as before joining Victrex, I went to college and realised that I wanted to be in a workforce and get on-the-job experience instead.

  I chose this apprenticeship because Victrex is recognised as a great company to work for.

  My main aim is to complete my apprenticeship and college work to a high standard and work towards getting on shift.

  And recently I’m very proud to have been awarded an ‘Above and Beyond’ award for testing chemicals for moisture.

  A challenge I have faced is adapting to working full time rather than being in education full time. But I enjoy the aspect of being in a workforce and I would tell people that an apprenticeship is a great option as you can learn valuable technical skills and use them in a work environment every day!

Here are just some of the most popular examples that are regularly available:

• Engineering (Maintenance and Operations Engineering Technician)

   

  This apprenticeship tends to last for approx. 42 months and consists of technical training workshop practice and your work placement within Victrex.

  Typically, in your first year you will study 1 day per week for the Level 3 Advanced Manufacturing Engineering Diploma and 4 days per week in the local college workshops and study rooms, experiencing and recording a variety of Engineering Technical Skills across the college campuses.

  In year 2, you will study 1 day per week for Level 3 Advanced Manufacturing Engineering Diploma and spend 4 days per week within your team environment in Victrex.

  Whilst year 3 and 4 you will be working full time within your team in Victrex and preparing for your End Point Assessment.

  You will be employed on a full-time basis and will fulfil a Tradespersons role on completion of your apprenticeship.

  If this option interests you: You will need a minimum of 5 GCSEs at grade 4 (Grade C equivalent) or higher including Mathematics, English and Science, or equivalent and/or relevant experience. Have an aptitude for engineering and enjoy problem solving.

   

• Business Administration

   

  You will be employed on a full-time basis studying for a Level 3 Business Administration apprenticeship. This is a work-based apprenticeship, so no college attendance is required. But there will be an opportunity to study for further qualifications.

  This 15-month apprenticeship may involve working independently or as part of a team and will involve developing, implementing, maintaining, and improving administrative services or working on the social media platforms for the company, and this option also requires a short work-based project to be completed during this time.

  Ideally, you will hold L2 qualifications in Maths and English already.

   

• Project Management

  Associate Project Management Apprenticeship (Level 4) Apprentice 

  (Victrex Job Title: Project Co-ordinator Apprentice) .

  You will be employed on a full-time basis studying for a Level 4 Project Management Higher Apprenticeship. It is a work-based apprenticeship with some college attendance, working towards your end point assessment. There is also possibility to study for further qualifications.

  This 2-year apprenticeship will involve working as part of a team to support the delivery of projects, working together to define the timeline, budget and resources needed for delivery across a portfolio of different opportunities. You will be working within our Project Management team to support the implementation of best practise, applying the tools and techniques learnt from college to real life projects.

  You will hold L2 qualifications in English, Maths, Science, and 2 other subjects, and ideally L3 in similar subjects too.