Nathaniel Hutchings, Performing Manufacturing Operations Apprentice at Smartroof explains how his apprenticeship has helped him to develop new skills in a real life working environment. Nathaniel has been taking part in an apprenticeship with Smartroof for the last 17 months and has gained experience in reading technical drawings and operating production machinery to create a finished product.
Smartroof manufacture an innovative insulated roof panel system which offers house builders a roofing solution which is faster, safer and more cost effective than traditional methods. The pre-fabricated system is manufactured offsite in a controlled factory environment by the production team including Nathaniel and delivered to site ready for installation. The Smartroof system can be installed for two houses in one day, 30% faster than traditional methods.
What does your apprenticeship involve and what are the benefits of doing an apprenticeship?
My apprenticeship involves all aspects on construction from a production operative side. This includes everything from general health and safety, operation of tools and equipment e.g. saws, nail guns etc. all the way to reading technical drawings and following set instructions to create a finished product.
How has your apprenticeship at Smartroof helped you?
I have developed new skills such as:
- Reading technical drawings
- Operating machinery correctly and safely
- Using battery and mains powered equipment
- Training on nail gun operation and manual handling
What would you say to someone thinking about doing an apprenticeship?
Go for it! It has helped me to gain new skills and develop ones I already had alongside earning a wage and learning a trade.
