We’re delighted to welcome our new apprentice Connor who joined us earlier this month and is already bringing new ideas, energy and a real passion to learn to the ISF team!
As an apprentice, Connor will be learning from our expert engineering team, gaining insight and experience at our York-based manufacturing facility and visiting customers’ sites around the UK whilst learning and studying for his level 3 metal fabricator qualification through our partner college, York College.
We chatted to Connor to hear how he’s been getting on after his first week at ISF!
What made you apply for this apprenticeship and what were you doing before?
“I’m not an academic person and wanted to work with my hands, so I knew that an apprenticeship was the route for me! I was labouring in woodwork before, but I’m a little heavy handed so metalwork sounded more like my kind of thing.
If I hadn’t had the opportunity for this apprenticeship I’d probably still be working as a part time cabinet maker, which I did enjoy – but I knew that wasn’t where my future was.”
How are you settling in so far?
“I’m really enjoying it so far! I’ve been made to feel really welcome and there’s a good set of lads here.
I can see that there’s a lot to learn but I know if I listen and work hard, I’m going to be just fine.
Everyone has been really encouraging – even the banter has been friendly (so far!). Everyone has been so approachable whenever I’ve had a question and I can tell straight away that they’re going to be great mentors.”
What are you most looking forward to?
“Seeing something that I’ve worked on finished and looking good. I can’t wait for that feeling of looking at something and saying, ‘I made that!’.”
What are your future goals and where do you see yourself in 5 years?
“Still at ISF! I hope to be fully trained and qualified, but still learning. It would be great to be working my way up but this kind of thing that I’m learning right now, this is my kind of stuff!”
What are your hobbies and what do you enjoy doing in your free time?
“I’ve recently got back into playing football for York Railway Institute, but when I’m not working or kicking a ball around, I’m fixing up my bikes. I’ve had some in terrible states, but I enjoy fixing them up and then getting out and about on them. I’ve repaired and refreshed quite a few bikes now, and it’s that feeling of seeing a project through which I love.”
It’s great to have Connor onboard and we’re looking forward to watching him progress and flourish as part of the ISF team.
Find out more about apprenticeships at ISF, here.