Institution news
Q: You won the award in 2010. Remind us about the achievement
Tom Goudy (TG): I joined Hamworthy Combustion in Poole after secondary school in 2006 and worked as an advanced apprentice there for three years, after which they hired me as a project engineer. The apprenticeship exposed me to many sides of the business and was a great experience. I was very pleased to receive the award - the panel noted that I demonstrated high levels of competency, capabilities and professional standards.
Q: How has your career developed since then?
TG: After completing the apprenticeship, I went on to study a part time engineering degree at Bournemouth University while continuing to work at Hamworthy. I received my BEng in 2014 and have had the opportunity to work at some world class scientific and technological organisations in the aerospace, defence and energy markets.
It’s been fascinating so far! I’ve mainly worked in project management and the profession has also allowed me to travel – I’ve visited Israel, China, Morocco and the USA to name just a few!
Q: Do you think winning the Apprentice of the Year Award had an impact on your career?
TG: Yes, it had a positive impact on my career. It was very rewarding to receive that recognition from my peers and it led on to further responsibility and opportunities. Perhaps most importantly it gives you confidence. For instance, after working in the energy market for many years, my next role was at QinetiQ, working in the aerospace sector. I think winning the Apprentice of the Year Award gave me the self-confidence to apply for jobs in new fields.
Q: As a past winner of the award, what advice would you give someone applying today?
TG: While it’s obviously nice to win an award, the most important part of the application is that it’s an opportunity to reflect on your strengths and weaknesses. It makes you talk to peers, receive feedback and understand any gaps you have – this can help you work out how you need to develop professionally.
Q: What’s your advice for someone coming to the end of an apprenticeship?
TG: Thinking back to when I was an apprentice, the technology and the market has changed so much. It is therefore essential to keep diversifying your skills if you want to stay competitive and advance your career. Take any opportunity you can get to expand your knowledge and speak to your employer about the possibility of doing placements in different parts of the business.
It’s also worth remembering that careers are long and progression isn’t always linear. Even if your first role doesn’t necessarily feel right to you, remember that you’re still learning a lot which you can apply in future. IMechE membership is valuable too – whether that’s using their online libraries, attending networking events or getting professional qualifications.
Q: And finally, what does the next decade hold for you?
TG: The big question! I’m really enjoying my current role – I believe nuclear power will play a role in a carbon-free world, so it’s great to work at Ultra Electronics and play a part in the world’s preservation for future generations. Otherwise, I plan to apply for Chartership this year– so it’s going to be busy!
Have you got what it takes to be our next Apprentice of the Year? Apply for free and be in with the chance of winning up to £1,500.