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Meet our engineering apprentices
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Howorth Air Tech’s engineering apprentices are based at our new pharmaceutical facility. They construct and assemble a wide variety of equipment from containment isolators and containment booths to aseptic and sterility isolators.
Once the apprenticeship is completed, they can go into roles such as a Senior Design Engineer, Senior Commissioning Engineer or an Electrical Controls and Implementation Design Engineer.
Name: Ryan Ince
Home: Widnes
Job title: Mechanical Apprentice
Age: 25
When did you start at Howorth? March 2021 (first year apprentice)
What were you doing before you joined Howorth? I was on a sports apprenticeship with Widnes Rugby Club playing professionally but when Covid hit I was released. I still play part time (centre wing). Engineering was always something I was interested in and felt like a natural career choice.
What do you love about your job? You never stop learning! I am learning the whole time. It took me a few months to get settled in, but everyone is really sound - it’s a great environment. It’s also good to know we are producing equipment that helps save lives.
Where do you see yourself in the next five years? I want to build up my knowledge and skills to be able to work on the isolators and make my own judgments.
What would you say to anyone thinking of an apprenticeship with Howorth? Definitely do it - I wish I had done it when I had left school.
Fun question - name three things you can’t live without. X-Box, computer and eating out!
Name: Giorgio Rava
Home: Wigan
Job title: Mechanical Apprentice
Age: 23
When did you start at Howorth? April 2021 (first year apprentice)
What were you doing before you joined Howorth? I was working at a bike shop as an assistant supervisor.
What do you love about your job? Every day is different with new challenges. It is hands-on and in-depth; I find it fascinating. It’s all about learning how everything goes together and working it out. I’ve made some good friends. It is quite technical work; you have to think of every single thing because the isolators come in all shapes and sizes.
Where do you see yourself in the next five years? I want to develop my skills here at Howorth and work on the installation of the isolators on site for clients.
What would you say to anyone thinking of an apprenticeship with Howorth? It is well worth it. It’s a real eye opener. You are contributing to something that is vital to the pharmaceutical industry. If you are into disassembling and assembling things, then this apprenticeship is definitely for you!
Fun question - name three things you can’t live without. Music (heavy metal), coffee, friends.
Name: Cain Nealon
Home: Bolton
Job title: Electrical Apprentice
Age: 20
When did you start at Howorth? August 2021 (third year apprentice)
What were you doing before you joined Howorth? I was working as an electrical apprentice at a local manufacturer of electric, automatic gates.
What do you love about your job? I like being hands-on. I wanted to be an electrical apprentice because it’s a ‘thinking job’ and I enjoy wiring.
I also think this type of work can open lots of doors, lots of opportunities in the future. I am getting an education and a trade as well as doing something really productive for the world.
Where do you see yourself in the next five years? I would like to become a Commissioning Engineer which involves checking all the systems prior to installation and going to the site where the equipment is being installed.
What would you say to anyone thinking of an apprenticeship with Howorth? It’s a great company to work for - a safe environment with people that are investing in your education and future. It’s like a family.
Fun question - name three things you can’t live without. Music (rap and pop), cars, going to the gym.
Name: Daniel Hayes
Home: Bolton
Job title: Electrical Apprentice
Age: 20
When did you start at Howorth? August 2020 (second year apprentice)
What were you doing before you joined Howorth? I was studying engineering at college and working in a local restaurant.
What do you love about your job? I enjoy practical work - I could never see myself in an office job. It’s hands on, I prefer making and building stuff. There’s lots of help and support available here at Howorth - you can ask questions and people will help.
Where do you see yourself in the next five years? I would like to be a Commissioning Engineer which involves carrying out the final testing, validation and client handover.
What would you say to anyone thinking of an apprenticeship with Howorth? If you want to be in a place where you are working as part of a team and getting an education then go for it.
Fun question - name three things you can’t live without. Music (heavy metal), gym, nights out.