Apprentice Alfie Crown shares what’s it all about as he learns on the job at Wisbech pet food factory

Aspiring engineer Alfie Crown is encouraging others to follow in his footsteps and get hands-on experience while studying for a qualification,

Alfie is two and half years into his four-year engineering apprenticeship with Nestle Purina in Wisbech, having decided post-A Levels that university wasn't for him.

He wanted to do something practical, and responded to an online advert from Nestlé, for a role that would allow him to apply his maths skills and statistical mindset to a hands-on line of work.

He was confident Nestlé would offer the high standard of training he was looking for.

Alfie said: “I did A-levels but I’ve always been good at working with my hands, so it made sense to do an apprenticeship in engineering.”

Alfie, who is working towards a Level 3 qualification in engineering, food and drink, also takes on stints at the North West Training Council in Liverpool, sometimes spending up to three months at the college.

As part of National Apprenticeship Week between February 7-13, the 20-year-old has reflected on how his studies are going so far, and with the hope of inspiring others.

He said: “You're never going to know what goes into making cat food, unless it's what you do for a living. The amount of thought and expertise that goes into the machinery alone is mind-boggling at first, but it's exciting to get your head around.

“I didn't come from an engineering background, but I've gone from knowing next to nothing, to being responsible for maintenance tasks on the production line throughout the day.

“My level of responsibility has grown as my skillset has developed – our mentors at Nestlé are supportive, and while they give you more free reign as soon as you're ready, they're always there to help if you need them.

“At college in Liverpool – where I've spent anything from four weeks to three months at a time – I've developed my engineering skills in terms of milling, turning, welding, electrics and more, all of which I've put into practice on the factory floor.

“Together with my team, I'm responsible for keeping Purina production lines operational at all times – which means reducing how often there is a breakdown, and how long it lasts.

“I've found my teams at Nestlé to be very accommodating when I need to focus on my studies. I honestly believe there's nothing this company can't give you in terms of support and progression.

“Everyone is welcome here – I've worked in seven different and varied teams already, and I've never felt out of place. And I have my team of fellow apprentices; we've become friends, and we support each other and share knowledge.

“Don't be scared if you don't have the current skillset to be an engineer – or for whatever role you're interested in.

“It's about mindset as well as skillset. The most important thing is that you're willing to give it your all, and build a rapport with people along the way.

“My ambition is to get a distinction in my apprenticeship, and to secure a permanent contract with Nestlé at the end. I'm already so much more capable, confident and independent than I was, and I'm excited about my future here.”