To show our support for Apprenticeships in Sutton and National Apprenticeship Week 2021, Monument Tools would like to showcase a selection of our apprentices.
Monument Tools understands that we must ‘future proof’ the business and this can be done by supporting and encouraging talented individuals.
We offer apprenticeships in Sutton and these are key to giving an opportunity to those that wish to work and study together, bringing renewed energy and enthusiasm into our business.
Working with Kingston College we have been able to support several apprentices over the last few years with NVQ Level 3 in Mechanical Engineering, NVQ Level 3 in Engineering Toolmaking and BTEC Level 4 in Engineering,
We aim to further their skill set through ongoing personal development plans and would actively encourage other parts of our industry to employ and nurture apprentices.
“I strongly believe that apprenticeships must be seen as a credible part of government, education and economic policy and I would like to see the promotion of apprenticeships as nothing other than a positive and future career path.”
Jonathan Collier, Managing Director, Monument Tools Ltd
Matthew Burchell
I found with my apprenticeship that it was an amazing alternative to an academia-based environment like College or University.
I always struggled with the pressure of an exam room, so I went to Brooklands and started in Electrical Engineering but found that it wasn’t something I would enjoy so I went to Kingston College and started General Engineering. In my second year the college recommended me to Monument Tools so I applied and started after two weeks of work experience.
I found that learning as you worked was a good way of reinforcing what I am being taught. It also allows me to correctly apply what is being taught, furthering that reinforcement. Though companies will push you to grow at your own pace, for example, they asked me if I wished to do a HNC in Mechanical Engineering, taking my total time at college to 5 years and at the Company for one year.
I have learnt many skills through my apprenticeship, for example, the operation of rapid prototyping devices, CNC operation and machining techniques. In addition to learning new skills, you are earning throughout your apprenticeship and gaining practical experience, all of which will help you find a job later down the line if you wish to do so.
Lauren Lilly-Bailey
The main reason that I chose to do an Apprenticeship was after leaving school I thought my only option was to go down the same path as many others and do A-Levels.
However, after experiencing A-Levels I decided that this wasn’t the choice for me; this led me onto researching and speaking to other students and lecturers at Kingston College who explained what an apprenticeship was and the benefits that this could bring.
Doing an Apprenticeship allowed me to get out of the classroom and gain valuable industry experience whilst earning at the same time. I went on to study a Level 3 course in Engineering, which then led to a HNC in General Engineering with the support and encouragement of Monument Tools.
As a woman in engineering, I too like many other young women found it daunting stepping into a male dominated profession. However this fuelled me to exceed expectations and raise the bar set, breaking traditions to help shape the world. The knowledge and skills I have gained being an apprentice, from working on CNC machinery, rapid prototyping devices, 3D printing and company projects has given me priceless practical experiences for my future prospects. Working alongside experienced professionals has shown me that there are many different methods and styles to learning a trade that I couldn’t have been taught sat in a lecture hall.
Taufeeque Ahmad
The reason why I chose an Apprenticeship is because I felt that with the majority of students choosing University it would be hard to stand out with only a degree on my CV. This encouraged me to start looking for other options and I came across the Apprenticeship Scheme. I thought it would be a great opportunity to gain more qualifications, valuable experience within the engineering sector, developing good knowledge and skills whilst studying to become a CNC Engineer.
My apprenticeship has varied over the past 3 years. I have been given the chance to work in different areas of the business which has helped me to utilise what I have learnt through my studies and training. I have been trusted to take on different projects which has enabled me to develop many skills with Monument Tools help and support. I really enjoy my job as every day at work is different and the team I work with are very nice and friendly. I couldn’t recommend Apprenticeships in Sutton enough as earning while you learn and developing a wide range of practical skills not only introduces you to the world of work but makes you and your experience gained invaluable.
Arslan Khalid
I have always been a hands-on person. I chose to become an apprentice because it combines the academic side with practical experience. This opportunity allowed me to study a higher qualification whilst, the knowledge I gain from studying at college, I was able to apply it straight to work and put what I learn into practise in real-time.
My skills and competence are a lot better than when I started the Apprenticeship. My job role is to program and set CNC Machines for production. By working closely with the seniors within the industry, it has inspired me look at the situations from all different aspects. I enjoy learning as an Apprentice. Learning from the years of experience at Monument Tools helped me progress my way up efficiently while enjoying the new way of learning.
The apprenticeship has directed me down the path I now realise I want to take; it has helped my confidence, skills and knowledge. I would recommend the programme to others as firstly, you’re getting paid for the work you do and you gain not just a qualification, but on the job experience. Overall, the Apprenticeships in Sutton program has filled me with confidence, it is a lot more varied and productive and again I would recommend anyone to go for an apprenticeship as the lessons are invaluable and the possibilities are endless.