National Apprenticeship Week: An Interview With Design Engineering Apprentice Holly Charlton-Rowell
Posted on February 10th, 2022
In celebration of National Apprentice Week, we spoke to Design Engineering Apprentice Holly Charlton-Rowell, who has been with Walker Filtration for 4 years and is nearing the end of her apprenticeship. She spoke about her journey finding an apprenticeship and how she has progressed over her time here with Walker Filtration.
What attracted you to an engineering apprenticeship?
I was really unhappy at sixth form, I dropped out after I realised I had other options. I liked the idea of an apprenticeship because I believed that obtaining firsthand experience in the business and learning from other engineers who have worked in the industry would be a good fit for my education.
What appealed to you about working for Walker Filtration?
All the staff are lovely, and I felt like Walker would be a good foundation to learn and build my skills as there’s a lot of different aspects to the company, and this would help broaden my knowledge and understanding of engineering and filtration.
What are your main responsibilities as an apprentice?
The CAGT team is split into 3 sections – elements, housings, and dryers, and there are 2 people on each section. Me and my colleague work with elements, so all issues with elements come to us. While every day is different, I tend to spend a lot of time on the shop floor.
How have Walker Filtration supported you with achieving your professional goals?
Walker Filtration helped me in gain a Distinction* Distinction* in my BTEC, which I am very proud of achieving.
What has been your biggest achievement so far?
My biggest achievement is definitely my BTEC results. I am also taking on a new project soon which will be challenging, but seeing a product being made from start to finish will be a big achievement! Learning from other engineers who have a lot of knowledge has really help me to broaden my understanding.
How has the apprenticeship helped you develop and grow as an individual?
I have definitely been able to develop my social skills. I can talk to everyone now! Before my apprenticeship, I would always get nervous asking for help or talking to other people, but I have realised that everyone will need help when they’re in the learning process and I’m lucky to have people around me who are willing to help me.
What would you say to someone who is considering doing an apprenticeship?
I’d say go for it. It’s definitely the best way to develop your skills and knowledge. You can’t beat learning on the job, it allows you to put all of the theory you are learning into practice using real briefs.
Where do you see yourself in 5 years’ time?
My aim is to attain a degree in mechanical engineering and fully qualify as a design engineer.