Ahmad’s BMet Experience
BMet helps Ahmad engineer a rewarding and successful career
Ahmad came to James Watt College to embark on a level 2 advanced manufacturing engineering apprenticeship and steadily progressed until he later achieved a foundation degree in electronic engineering – instrumental and control (level 4 and 5). He is now studying an electronic engineering level 6 course at Birmingham City University, alongside continuing to work at HydraForce.
He chose this pathway because he felt that it was the right route for him to be able to pursue his desired career.
We spoke to Ahmad about his time at BMet and his rewarding journey and experiences since he embarked on his engineering apprenticeships at the college.
Why did you decide to go down the apprenticeship route?
“I chose the apprenticeship route because I wanted to gain industrial engineering experience, whilst being paid to learn on the job.
“I knew that this was the harder career option, as there would be pressure associated with doing well. However, I was mainly focussed on the outcomes rather than what I had to endure to be successful.
“Being an apprentice gave me an opportunity to have mentors at my company who have had an input on my success. They have been able to answer specific industry linked questions, that I would not have access to if I was a student without a place of work linked to the manufacturing industry.
“Having more exposure to the manufacturing environment is a benefit that helps me to stand out from other students who may have been doing an engineering course outside of the apprenticeship scheme.”
Why did you choose to study at BMet?… and tell me a bit about “your journey” prior to coming to studying at BMet…
“Before studying at BMet, I worked for a retail company, earning awards for both ‘Outstanding Customer Service’ and ‘The All Rounder.
“Even though I was doing all that I could in that role, it was brought to my attention that I was not being given opportunities for career progression.
“I selected the advanced manufacturing apprenticeship course, because I chose to follow in the footsteps of my father who was an engineer. As a child, I witnessed him build the house that our family lived in and when looking for a career path, this achievement is something that influenced my decision to pursue a career in electrical engineering.”
What have you enjoyed during your time at BMet and what are your key achievements & experiences?
“I have enjoyed the learning experience overall during my time at BMet. Some notable experiences would be when doing my Foundation Phase Gateway Assessment.
“Doing this gave me a glimpse into what working at an industrial engineering company is truly like, whereby you may be working on one engineering task such as an electrical wiring task, to be pulled away to do another engineering task such as to maintain a mechanical device, to return to the original task and have it completed within a declared timeframe.
“Some achievements that I am proud of are receiving distinctions in every module over my apprenticeship, then throughout my foundation degree. Also, being one out of six candidates shortlisted for the made in midlands awards 2021 and winning two awards in the ladder for Greater Birmingham awards in October 2021.”
How did you feel that the course catered to your needs?
“The courses have got me to where I am today. I was taught many advanced subject areas in the broad subject area of engineering – stemming from electrical and electronic engineering, mechanical engineering and materials to CNC machining, bench fitting, panel wiring, maintenance techniques, as well as business improvement techniques.
“All modules are catered towards the engineering industry so no matter what sector I work in, I will have some relevant background knowledge.”
What do you think of the support that you’ve received at BMet?
“The support given from BMet is very good.
“Students were encouraged to research further around the subject matter – deepening the levels of understanding. This is part of the reason that I would say that I succeeded, as I was constantly asking questions and the responses were always very insightful. I don’t think that I would have had that engagement if I had studied elsewhere.”
What are you doing now & what are your hopes for the future?
“I have just been promoted to a Manufacturing Engineer after being a Junior Manufacturing engineer for Hydraforce Hydraulics LTD. My hopes for the future are to go from a Technician level member of the Institution of Engineering and Technology (TMIET) to an Incorporated Engineer level member of the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IENG). I also intend to become an engineer, and my ambition is to become a manager in the next five years.”
What advice would you give to other students wanting to attend BMet? Or that are currently here?
“My advice would be to always bear in mind what you want to achieve out of your time studying, as this kept me focussed.
“Furthermore, I would say to remember that pain is always temporary, and that pressure makes diamonds!”