National Apprenticeship Week 2026
To mark National Apprenticeship Week 2026, we chatted to third-year engineering apprentice Ben who will complete his three-year apprenticeship later this year to become a qualified mechanical fitter.
Ben attends college one day a week where he is studying for a Level 3 NVQ in mechanical production alongside his practical training. He has just returned from the US where he was part of a team installing a high-precision coating machine.
Q: What skills and attributes do you need to start out as an engineering apprentice?
A: You’ve got to have the right attitude, be enthusiastic and curious and take responsibility for yourself. You’re not expected to know very much about engineering when you start an apprenticeship, but it’s important to be attentive, ask questions, be engaged and willing to learn. You’ll be working as part of a team and respect is crucial. In this way you’ll earn trust and be able to take on more responsibility over time.
Q: What are the most important skills you’ve learnt so far in your apprenticeship?
A: As well as the many technical skills I’ve learnt, I’ve grown up quickly as an apprentice. I’ve learnt to be accountable for myself, to play my part in the team, earn the trust of my colleagues and managers and become more confident in communicating at every level of the business, including with customers.
Q: What have been the highlights of your apprenticeship so far?
A: Working in the US has definitely been the highlight so far. I worked hard in the months before we went to be selected as part of the team and was rewarded for that. Cygnet Texkimp offers a range of career opportunities through apprenticeship, with regular placements in different parts of the business to help get a wider understanding of how an engineering business operates and the potential jobs on offer. This has been valuable for me in planning my own career.
Q: What will your next steps be when you complete your apprenticeship later this year?
A: I hope to stay at Cygnet Texkimp as a mechanical fitter and I’d also like to further my education and learn new skills in electrical engineering, machine commissioning and software engineering.
