Sophie Harris had worked at Autoliv in Congleton for several years when, through levy funding, she was offered an apprenticeship opportunity.

Sophie said: “I’d never really considered coming back to learning and at first I didn’t think it was for me, but the more I found out about the apprenticeship programme the more I liked the sound of it.”

Sophie began her engineering apprenticeship in March 2019, learning how to use complex machinery and hand tools. She is currently working towards a Level 2 qualification but it’s not just engineering skills that Sophie is mastering.

She said: “What’s been great is how much of a confidence boost it’s been. I absolutely love it. It’s so welcoming and from the start I felt like I fit in. The tutors are always on hand to help and we’re never left to fend for ourselves.”

Sophie completes the practical part of her apprenticeship at the Total People Engineering Training Centre, based at Cheshire College South and West in Crewe.

Sophie said: “The machinery available to work on is fantastic, there’s a huge range and I’m constantly learning new skills and techniques. It’s good to be based at the college too – we get to experience all the benefits, including free parking and the canteen.”

Sophie’s aim for the future is to keep learning. She said: “Apprenticeships open so many doors, I think it’s a real shame that more people don’t do them.

I’m going to be highly trained and highly skilled, so who knows what the future might hold!

Find out more about our Engineering apprenticeships.