“Before joining EEL, I was working as an Electrical Apprentice. However, I wanted a fresh start and a new company that offered more variation. This is exactly what I gained from joining EEL.
Since joining EEL, most of my time has been spent in the warehouse. I have been responsible for setting up and testing our various seismic systems. I have also been working on the cone penetration test (CPT) systems, which has helped improve my technical and electrical skills. As well as setting systems up and completing pre-hire maintenance checks, I have also spent a lot of time completing maintenance jobs to ensure the equipment is ready for hire.
The apprenticeship has benefited me as I now have expertise working with hydraulics, mechanical systems and electrical systems. This has helped me develop skills as an engineer in multiple disciplines. I have also been able to work on field projects and successfully completed a seismic job.“
“Since starting my apprenticeship at EEL, I have gained a lot of knowledge about the industry and the equipment the company supplies. I have learnt how different seismic systems need to be set up and correctly tested before being sent out into the field, why they are used, and the basic theory behind how the data is collected and processed.
The apprenticeship benefitted me in many ways: I gained new skills that I needed to progress in the engineering world while spending time in the warehouse, and the qualification itself provided me with the theory and understanding.
During the college holidays I was able to assist with a geophysical job and get some field experience.
I would like to branch out and learn more about the other equipment we have at EEL, such as the cone penetration test (CPT) systems, and have the opportunity to complete a seismic survey offshore.“
“I joined EEL in 2019 as an apprentice technician, studying mechatronics Level 3. During my time at college, I was based at the warehouse in Beccles where I learnt to maintain and run our fleet of hire equipment – as well as improving my welding skills. All these skills I still use as a qualified mechatronics technician, across geophysical and geotechnical offshore projects. Taking on this apprenticeship at EEL provided me with experience working on a large variety of geotechnical and geophysical equipment and meant that I got to work on jobs all around the world, including in Norway, Scotland, Taiwan, Spain and Africa.
It’s surprising how much you learn that also helps outside of work, for example, with hobbies, such as repairing cars (which also saves me money). But also, travelling alone and working abroad has taught me key life skills and how to look after myself.
The apprenticeship has allowed me to earn money while learning and gave me a gateway into an industry that otherwise would have been difficult to enter. When I was working on my Level 2 certificate in welding I didn’t really enjoy just going to college, but by doing an apprenticeship, I could be learning at work, which I preferred.”