Megan Whitbread
Apprentice Building Services Design Engineer

Why did you choose an apprenticeship?

Personally, I have never been the type to be able to sit in a classroom day in day out and find it enjoyable. I finished my GCSE’s and started my first year in sixth-from where I soon realised, there was no benefit of me being there anymore. I wanted to be able to be productive and actually have something to show for myself, so discovering that there were other routes, such as an apprenticeship, to get me to where I wanted to be was brilliant. I am constantly learning and able to put all of my knowledge to the test every day.

What are the benefits of your apprenticeship?

Working in a different way, it’s as simple as that. It gives me the ability to have hands on experience, allows me to gain vital knowledge from experienced engineers that I may not necessarily be taught in college or university and it also allows me to obtain my qualifications at the same time. Not only am I going to university in September, which is something I never saw myself doing, I’ll be leaving university with a degree and six years of work experience.

Why building services engineering?

In school, I always loved art and product design and since a young age I have been really interested in how things work. After originally wanting to become an architect, followed by wanting to be a lighting designer, to taking engineering in sixth-form, I stumbled upon building services engineering. It combined all aspects of things I love in one really, designing, learning how elements of a building work and come together and the ability to be creative when it comes to generating lighting design layouts.

Why TB+A?

TB+A was my first step into adulthood really, for anyone that’s a big jump. The day that I came for my first interview I was instantly made to feel comfortable, everyone was so friendly and made me feel really welcome. I was introduced to some of the staff from the company and they really sold it to me, they described this fun and enjoyable type of working environment and from there on TB+A had me. One of my favourite things about TB+A is the way that you aren’t just a number within the company, everyone knows each other and it’s nice that on a daily basis you are working with the top people in the company.

What are your future plans?

In the future, I wish to complete my final year of college with at least a double distinction in order to gain a place on the degree course in September. I aim to complete my degree with the highest marks I can manage to be able to become a qualified engineer. Until then, my plan is to continue gaining knowledge from all around me, and to see which path I end up on within the company…hopefully the one that ends with being a partner!

Oliver Johnson
Apprentice Building Services Design Engineer

Why did you choose an apprenticeship?

The choice to undertake an apprenticeship has, so far, been one of the best decisions of my life.After coasting through school I went to college not knowing what to do. I decided to take A levels in PE, Maths, Physics and Psychology as they were the subjects that I enjoyed and that I was interested in. I didn’t have a career in mind or any direction whatsoever.

Without any direction or requirement, I coasted through college. It was in my final year that a friend had suggested an apprenticeship. I knew that I wanted to go into the construction industry but wasn’t sure about what area. I found Building services and realised that it was what I wanted to do. It encompassed all of the things that I enjoyed at school.

Why did you choose an apprenticeship?

I chose the apprenticeship route because I wanted to work. I began to apply for every engineering apprenticeship I could find. I emailed my CV to different firms, applied online and even signed up to an agency! Luckily I was chosen to go for an interview with my current employer, Troup Bywaters + Anders. What was even luckier is that, after a couple of interviews, I was offered the place! I took that opportunity and haven’t looked back. And over three years later, I’m doing better than I could have ever hoped.

What are the benefits of your apprenticeship?

The best part of the apprenticeship is the fact that I am learning and earning at the same time. I am heavily involved in the different projects at work and I am also attending college to further my education. Academically, I excelled. I achieved top marks in my level 3 BTEC studies. This is something that I am very proud of. I have received support from the company all the way through my education and am currently studying for my HND. I can now use my experience to help any others that need a little assistance.

Why TB+A?

Troup Bywaters + Anders are huge advocates of the apprentice scheme (they have won awards because of it), the support they provide is unrivalled.

As the scheme has grown, TB+A has asked myself to act as a mentor to the newer apprentices on a national basis which is something I am very proud to have been asked to do. I can pass on my experiences and knowledge to all those who need it. My main task will be to make sure that they are all keeping up to date with their NVQ’s and studies.

There will come a time in which the baton will be passed down, but I hope to always be involved in the scheme for as long as I am part of TB+A. The apprenticeship has enabled me to take part in many events that I would never have been able to if I were to have gone to university, including; networking with engineers, awards nights and other social events.

Ramone Morgan
Apprentice Building Services Design Engineer

Why did you choose an apprenticeship?

I chose the apprenticeship route because I enjoyed the fact that I would be making money, learning and gaining experience all at the same time. It gives you the opportunity to get ahead of the game by getting experience within the industry whilst progressing with academic studies.

What are the benefits of your apprenticeship?

The benefits are that I am able to go to university without any student debt, learning the subject which I enjoy and working towards.

Why building services engineering?

At first I wanted to be an architect, but then I looked further into the building and construction environment and came across building services and I found it more interesting and it was still within design. You get to design all the installations that are found in a building to bring it to life.

Why TB+A?

TB+A is like a family, as soon as you join you feel a part of the team. It is very warming and helps get the best out of the person you are as well as giving you lots of opportunities to progress and get involved with. I feature in the TB+A Apprentice video and got to attend a recent awards ceremony.

What are your future plans?

I plan to follow in the footsteps of many of the current Partners at TB+A and progress from apprentice to Partner.