T-T Apprenticeship Scheme

We spoke with our current and former apprentices about life at T-T. Find out more about our apprenticeship scheme, their roles and what they have learnt since joining the company…

Supporting Apprenticeships for Over 30 Years

T-T Pumps has run a highly successful apprenticeship scheme for more than 30 years, currently employing 13 apprentices in an array of different areas across the business. Many of our apprentices choose to stay with us for the long term, progressing and developing their careers within the business.

Now, we’re on the lookout for the next generation of talent, with new apprenticeship opportunities currently available in:

• Fabrication and manufacture
• Control system build and design
• System selection
• Pump service and repair
• Accounting and administration

So, what better time to ask some of our apprentices about their experiences?

Why did you decide to undertake an apprenticeship, and what made you choose T-T?

Lloyd Swale first joined us as an Apprentice Electrical Engineer while studying for a General Engineering BTEC Level 3. Since then, he has progressed to the role of Control & Automation System Design Engineer & Product Developer, enjoying a rewarding and progressive role within the company.

“Before my apprenticeship, I worked at Homebase as a Team Leader, working towards my General Engineering BTEC Level 3.

“During the course, I found I had an interest in electrical engineering. I was going to apply for the RAF as an Electrical Engineer but was also applying for similar roles at companies in my local area. My first couple of interviews at some local companies went well, but I found they were underwhelming and had very little to offer in terms of progression.

“Luckily, a Service Team had a service contract at the company my Mum worked for, and it came up in conversation that I was looking for an Electrical Engineering apprenticeship. They said T-T was a great company to work for, so the next day I applied for an Electrical Engineering apprentice role that was open at the time.

“During my interview, the interviewer explained that she was an apprentice here and now the Control Division Manager, and there are many others with similar stories, which was a big selling point for me. I also had the chance to have a conversation with the Managing Director which I thought was a good sign. Although they are a medium-sized business the open-door attitude towards working played a large part in my decision.”

At 22 years old, Lloyd was considered a ‘mature’ apprentice when starting at T-T. Despite knowing he wanted to become an electrical engineer, the traditional route of becoming a full-time student and taking out a hefty student loan was not very appealing.

“Working, earning, and learning sounded great. It was hard enough for some people to find roles fresh out of university with very little experience, so an apprenticeship sounded the best route.”

For Jaxon Housley, Apprentice Pump Workshop Engineer, undertaking an apprenticeship was all about learning new skills and experience while gaining qualifications.

“I’ve always wanted to be an engineer since I was little. I’ve always been a grease monkey and liked fixing things.

“I heard about T-T through a family friend and knew it was a good company to work for. There’s a lot of support; they work with you to get the best for both parties. You can be moulded into exactly what the company is after.”

Wilfredo Lim, Mechanical/Electrical Engineer Apprentice, really relished the opportunity to be fully qualified while learning on the job.

“I decided on T-T as it was a good opportunity for an engineering career.

“A lot of training is provided and I’ve gained lots of skills, becoming more hands on and knowledgeable in the pump engineering industry.”

Meanwhile, another of our Mechanical/Electrical Engineers Jacob Maddox joined us after leaving a previous apprenticeship.

“College helped me find vacancies and I enjoyed the interview. I wanted to earn a wage in something hands-on and in an environment where I could learn new skills regularly.”

What have you learned since joining T-T?

Jacob feels he has gained a lot of confidence since being at T-T.

“I’ve gained confidence and independence, developing report building techniques and understanding of tools and equipment.”

For Damon Chadwick, Electromechanical Apprentice Engineer, it’s all about learning and working while being hands on.

“There’s a training matrix in place to see where support is needed on certain tasks.

“I’ve gained lots of skills as an apprentice including mechanical knowledge and fault finding.”

Lloyd talks about the importance of asking questions and making the most of the support provided:

“T-T’s internal expertise and previous apprentices provide support through training and knowledge transfer. You are always encouraged to ask questions and aim to better understand your discipline at work. If you have that mindset, you will do well.”

What challenges have you faced?

“I found the most challenging part of being an apprentice is starting with zero knowledge of your job role. It can seem daunting at times, but you will have lots of support from your colleagues and you’re encouraged to learn. It’s possible to overcome these obstacles and I’d recommend continuing to take on more responsibilities to enhance your skills and deepen your knowledge base.

“Another challenging part of being an apprentice is managing the college-based coursework/revision which generally is expected to be completed outside of work hours."

For Jacob, the challenges were more practical, including learning how to repair pumps independently and completing full inspection reports.

Meanwhile, Wilf said he has embraced “learning using my initiative.”

“I’ve become more hands on and more knowledgeable in the pump engineering industry.”

What’s your goal after your apprenticeship?

“My goal is to continue to learn and develop” says Lloyd, who has recently moved to the New Products team:

“I’ve been assigned to a large project where we will integrate IoT technology into our new range of intelligent control panels. Customers will be able to download the T-T Monitoring app on their iOS or Android device and receive notifications when their station has an alarm, and predictive warning using the data streamed from the device and analysing it using an anomaly detection algorithm. 

“This completely new side of the business and we are developing the technology ourselves with partners which is exciting.”

We're on the lookout for new apprentices!

T-T is passionate about the value in vocational training by combining work with education and is looking for enthusiastic individuals who are seeking the chance to progress in a rewarding and exciting career.

Think you have what it takes to succeed? For more information on our apprenticeship scheme and the different opportunities available, please get in touch at recruitment@ttpumps.com