Interviewer: What’s your background Tia? How did you get into NDT?
Tia: I actually first heard about NDT on a programme called ‘Air Crash Investigations’ which I watched religiously. I was very interested in it and I am drawn to things like that, so when I found out about NDT I started researching and learning about all the different methods – what they are used for, how they all work etc. Very quickly I became very interested in it and thought that this is something I’d quite like to do. So when an opportunity came up in my area I had to go for it, and to this day I don’t know how, but I was given a chance, I was believed in, and I will be forever grateful that I was successful.
Interviewer: What motivated you to apply for an apprenticeship program?
Tia: Everything really! Learning a trade, doing a real job and having money in my pocket was a big one for me. The fact that it’s only a year’s programme as well was really attractive rather than it being a few years. I like the practical side of things as well as the academic side. I thought it was a great opportunity to start my career and get stuck in straight away.
Interviewer: Describe what a typical day on your apprenticeship is like.
Tia: Every day is a school day – always something to learn and everything to strive for! My schedule is from Monday to Friday and at least one day a week you get a day of off-the-job training which is similar to day release when you enrol on an apprenticeship with a college. I trained in FPI (Fluorescent Penetrant Inspection) and was taught this process inside out. I also did odd jobs like tidying and cleaning now and again. There’s a lot to learn but once it all sinks in, it becomes second nature, and you do really achieve what you set out to do.
Interviewer: How has the support been from your team and the Lavender team?
Tia: Lavenders were brilliant. Every week they set out a lot of tasks and activities for me to do. I also took my Maths and English with them which I never had before as I never sat my exams – meetings were always scheduled for this and support was available if I was stuck at any time. I pushed through it and thanks to them, this has enabled me to complete my apprenticeship. But also my company have been very good as well. My mentor Andy and manager Simon have contributed a lot to my success in this industry.
Interviewer: How have you found the apprenticeship?
Tia: Quite challenging to be honest. I did the 14 month apprenticeship and there was lots to learn in just a year. I had my practical and theory FPI exams on top of the Maths and English. It was also quite something to keep up with all the activities and deadlines. You definitely have to have a positive attitude, but despite these challenges, the most rewarding thing is when you rise above it, do your best and get through it. That’s the best part about it. You can look back and say, well I did that! And you can be proud of it.
Interviewer: Once you get to End Point Assessment stage, what’s next for you?
Tia: Hopefully do more methods and keep training and learning. There are lots of possibilities and opportunities so early on in your career. I have actually already had some training on the quality department during my off-the-job days, but I believe I will be training properly as a Quality Inspector with my company, as well as having NDT under my belt. I am also thinking about the possibility of doing a degree course, but we’ll find out!
Interviewer: What qualities or traits do you think are most important for someone to have if they plan on undertaking an apprenticeship?
Tia: Patience, kindness, respect, communication, and the ability to take constructive criticism. Having a calm approach to things does help as well as being able to work in a team, no matter how large or small. I think you’ve definitely got to be able to multitask or at least build on it. A hard work ethic goes a long way too as dedication is important for any role you may undertake. Apply yourself and the results will follow.
Interviewer: What advice would you give to other individuals considering getting involved in doing an apprenticeship?
Tia: Just do it! Whatever your background is, wherever you’ve come from, whatever jobs you’ve worked, and whether you even have qualifications or not, it is possible to get into engineering or to do whatever you want to do because I did it and still doing so. So just do it, do your best, never give in, set your goals, aim high, and follow your dreams because they can and do come true.
Interviewer: We always ask our apprentices if you could describe your apprenticeship in 3 words what would you say?
Tia: I would say challenging, rewarding and memorable!
Tia’s final words: I hope that after reading this that it inspires more disadvantaged and young people, more women, and the black community to get into the industry.
Through innovative programme design, strong employer collaboration, and commitment to apprentices’ success, Lavender are setting new standards in engineering training. We deliver high-quality, hands-on training each month, including residential courses that provide apprentices with realistic inspection workshops to practice inspections that meet NDT standards.
By working closely with employers, we develop tailored training programmes that align with industry needs. If you’re an employer, we can assist with recruiting new apprentices for our programmes or upskilling your current staff in various NDT methods. For more information, click here.
For apprentices seeking an exciting opportunity to join an NDT company, visit the government website to explore the latest openings for the Level 3 Technologies Technician scheme.