Divyesh Mistry tells us about his role as Apprentice Technician in WMG

What does your work involve?

My role within the department varies from day to day. During my first year I was studying at college full time and was working at the University during the college holidays. At this time I was placed within the Energy Innovation Centre, where I was taught and aided in the instrumentation of Lithium Ion Batteries. These cells would be tested within a temperature-controlled chamber and the data would be evaluated by one of our researchers. I am now in my second year of my apprenticeship which is a placement year and therefore I am doing rotations around the different areas of WMG. I am being trained on how to work in these different areas, allowing me to expand my skill set and knowledge.

When did you join Warwick?

I joined Warwick in August 2017 as an Apprentice Technician.

What qualifications and roles did you have before this?

Before this role I went to college and gained an IMI Level 2 diploma in Motorsport Vehicle Maintenance and Repair. Prior to that I attended school where I gained my GCSEs. This then led me on to understand that I wanted a career in the engineering sector and I managed to secure this apprenticeship at WMG.

What training and development have you received at Warwick?

This apprenticeship at WMG has given me lots of training and development for the time that I have been here. This includes training up on machinery like the pillar drill, guillotine, lathe and laser cutter. I have also developed my skills on using a CAD drawing application called Solidworks. Furthermore, I attended a 3 day course where I gained a qualification to become a First Aider. I have also attended various health and safety training e.g. manual handling. Using the online training resource ‘Moodle’, I have been trained on how to write things like Risk Assessments. As part of the apprenticeship, I am also studying a BTEC Level 3 Engineering in Advanced Manufacturing and completing a Level 2 NVQ in Mechatronics.

What are your future plans?

My future plan at WMG is to complete my placements and get as much training as I can. Upon completion of my apprenticeship, I hope to become fully employed by WMG as a technician and gain a degree in Engineering. From there, I hope to gain experience and work my way up into other roles and get involved in different projects that occur within WMG.

What have you enjoyed about your apprenticeship?

I have enjoyed working in the different departments at WMG, this will help me in deciding which area I want to work in, for the future. Furthermore, I have also enjoyed the ability to get an education at the same time as gaining proper work experience.