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Stephen Gutteridge

Stephen Gutteridge joined Bespak’s apprenticeship programme as a Maintenance Technician in 2006. Having always enjoyed practical subjects at school, Stephen undertook an A-level in Technology and upon completion saw an advert for a Maintenance Apprentice role at Bespak and leapt at the opportunity.

While there were other companies also advertising apprenticeship opportunities, it was Bespak’s advert that Stephen was specifically drawn to, as he explains, “The Bespak advert stood out from the rest, as the job role was clearly defined, explaining exactly what would be expected from the chosen candidate. This coupled with the opportunity to work with a company known for offering its employees good benefits and progression opportunities, made it an ideal choice.”

Stephen’s course will take four years and is due for completion in 2010, by which time he will have achieved an advanced Modern Apprenticeship in Maintenance Engineering comprising the following qualifications:

  • Business and Technician Education Council’s Ordinary National Certificate (BTEC ONC) in Operations and Maintenance
  • National Vocational Qualification (NVQ) level 3 in Maintenance Engineering
  • NVQ level 2 in Performing Engineering Operations
  • Key Skills level 2 in Communication, Application of Numbers, Information & Communication Technology, Improving Own Learning & Performance and Working with others.

Commenting on his apprenticeship Stephen said: “Bespak has been incredibly supportive. The dedicated apprenticeship coordinator is always on hand to offer advice with work, so I know I always have someone to turn to if I need help. So too have my work colleagues in the various departments that I have worked within, everybody has always been very approachable, ready and willing to help explain processes. Knowing you have this level of support really helped me to integrate and feel a valued member of the team.”

For the first year of his apprenticeship, Stephen undertook training at East Anglian Group Industrial Training (EAGIT) Centre in Norwich working towards achieving his NVQ level 2 in Performing Engineering Operations, with an emphasis on learning a variety of practical engineering skills. Stephen’s second year of training will be based at Bespak’s main site with rotation around various departments. During these rotational periods Stephen will spend several months in the maintenance areas developing his skills and completing the practical tasks required to complete the NVQ level 3 qualification in Maintenance engineering.

Stephen concludes: “Even though I’ve yet to complete my apprenticeship I feel that the programme has enabled me to develop practical skills, gain vital company knowledge and learn how to use specific Bespak machinery, which has given me a great deal of confidence in my every day work.” “Working within a real-life environment gives me a better understanding of what is required to successfully carry out my role, with the added bonus of gaining recognised qualifications and of course earning in the process. I would wholeheartedly recommend the Bespak Apprenticeship programme as it not only provides the breadth of experience that a large company can offer, but it also offers the level of support and guidance needed to achieve your individual goals.”

If you are interested in pursuing an apprenticeship with Bespak, contact Teresa Gibson via email at teresa.gibson@bespak.com or telephone 01553 691000.