Joseph Bellerose, Engineering

Aspiring engineer Joe is kick starting his career with an apprenticeship.

At UTC Joe has just completed a Level 3 Extended Diploma in Engineering achieving a Distinction Merit. On receiving his results, he said: “ I’m so happy! I’ve achieved beyond what I expected. I have the grades I need and the hard work was clearly worth it.”

Joe will now start his apprenticeship at X-Cel Superturn, who manufacture precision machined and fabricated engineering components, and are an employer partner at the UTC.

“UTC is far more focused than other schools, the teachers have experience in the engineering industry and can give you advice. I think if you come to a UTC, put the time in and commit, you’ll leave with a really good job and career.”

Joe secured his apprenticeship after impressing colleagues from X-Cel Superturn with his engineering talents during an assessment centre at the UTC. From there he was invited for an interview and a factory tour before being offered the role.

Joining the UTC in Year 9 Joe has taken part in a variety of projects throughout his studies, discussing his favourites, he said: “There’s been loads of practical projects I’ve done in engineering. I’ve liked using the CNC machines most, in Year 11 I made a seawater check valve and a spigot mounting plate, I’ve also made them manually on a manual lathe and milling machine.”

Asked if he made the right decision choosing UTC, he said: “A hundred percent. UTC is far more focused than other schools, the teachers have experience in the engineering industry and can give you advice. I think if you come to a UTC, put the time in and commit, you’ll leave with a really good job and career.”