Michael Heathcote, 24, a technician who works part-time as a classic car restorer while doing an engineering degree

“I’ve taken an unusual route. I started with a Saturday job restoring classic cars and sports cars, working with old Jaguars and TVRs and older stuff – Lagondas from the 1930s. I picked things up as I went along. Eventually I worked full time for Ludgate Design and Development in Kent. It gave me a great understanding of the subject and that’s where my passion came from, but there’s no way it could teach you the theoretical side. I’ve been working for the company part-time while doing a degree in automotive engineering at Sussex University. Next I’m going to do an extra year, studying for a masters in engineering. As much as I love the job I do now I don’t see myself doing it for the rest of my life. I want to go into engine research and development. I am fortunate that it’s flexible which day I work. Because I study for four to four-and-a-half days each week I don’t have much time to fit other things in.”

Daniel Nardini, 20, a toolmaker, is on a four-year apprenticeship

“I took a one-year course in foundation engineering. It’s quite broad, covering mechanical and electrical engineering. After the course we were found work placements for 12 weeks. Then after the work placement I got a job at Avilion [a company that manufactures bathroom brassware], where I started working three months ago. I make prototypes and models for high-quality taps. Then I was looking on the internet and I found a course that would suit me.

“I work one day a week and study for the rest of the week. I’m doing a national vocational qualification [NVQ] level 3 at Thames Gateway College as well as a BTEC [Business and Technician Engineering Council] national diploma in engineering. I have always been interested in a practical approach, there’s a lot of problem solving. I prefer working and learning at the same time. I think it’s a good way to do it. I think that I learn more at work and it’s really quite important to have work experience.”

Samantha Godsalve, 20, an apprentice at Astrium, a space company

“I’m actually a musician, but I’m quite interested in maths as well – the two skills are often linked – so I replied to an advert in the local newspaper for an engineering apprenticeship. In the first year of the scheme we managed to squeeze what would normally be almost five years of part-time study into one year, studying full time at Highbury College, Cosham. This meant working through the holidays and tackling some big projects. I quite enjoyed the maths and applying it to real life.

“Now in my second year, I’m on a ten-week placement in the assembly, integration and test department. It’s the most hands-on department here, where the satellites are built and tested. I’ve been watching other people and learning from the way they work, but I have been doing some of it myself. I have more study still to do but I will also be working my way around the company on other placements. At the end of the three years I will be asked to apply for a job. So far, it’s been really good.”

Rajesh Sharma, 24, a fleet support engineer at VTG

“Engineering is a challenge and something I always wanted to do. I started with a BTEC national diploma in engineering then progressed to an advanced apprenticeship where I did an HNC part-time and worked at Goodrich Aerospace. After that I got the job at VTG Rail – a Europe-based company that leases out rail wagons. I provide technical support to the engineering manager and fleet engineer in the repair, development and maintenance of the VTG fleet to meet regulatory, legislative and company standards. I am responsible for the research and development of projects such as the modification and maintenance of wagons, including wheelset replacements. I am also responsible for safety performance monitoring, producing reports and liaising with customers who have leased our wagons. That’s one of the best things about the job – the people you get to meet. Plus there is the constant problem-solving and dealing with engineering challenges that arise almost every day.”

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