Training APPRENTICE
MEET THE UK NUCLEAR APPRENTICE OF
THE YEAR: APPRENTICESHIPS AMBASSADOR JAMES WATMORE
What made you choose engineering, and how did this opportunity come about with Darchem?
James Watmore of Darchem was winner of two awards at the fourth annual UK Nuclear Skills Awards held in March – Supply Chain Apprentice and the hotly contested UK Apprentice of the Year.
James started working at Darchem in 2008 and completed his apprenticeship in Engineering, Fabrication and Welding in September 2011. Apprentices spend a year at college and then three years doing on-site training with day release. He now works as a manufacturing engineer in the Nuclear Systems Business Unit.
NuclearCONNECT caught up with James to find out how all this came about and what his plans are for the future, including being an ambassador for ’Foundation for Jobs’.
I finished school and went straight to college, thinking the normal progression – college then university – but it wasn’t until college that I realised that sort of learning wasn’t for me and I wanted something more hands-on. The college careers guidance team suggested the apprentice- ship route. I got a position at South West Durham Training and applied for welding and fabrication – something I thought I would enjoy and had prospects for the future. When Darchem came in to interview apprentices, I put my name down as I’d heard a lot about them and knew I’d like to work for them. The interview went successfully and I got the job at the beginning of 2008.
It’s an exciting time at Darchem, with their re-expansion into nuclear. What activities were you involved in during your time as an apprentice?
I was asked by my current boss if I’d like to join the nuclear bid team, so I was one of the five or six costing engineers who were actively bidding for new work
58 NuclearCONNECT
for Darchem. Yes, straight in at the deep end! Part of my progression in a different business unit meant that I had worked in that sort of role before, but nothing quite as demanding; it’s such a new market.
How have your attitude and skills developed?
Going straight from college where it’s quite a relaxed atmosphere to an apprenticeship where you’ve got to be at work at 7.30 and finish at 4.15, it’s quite difficult to get used to – but once you’re into the routine it’s brilliant. Skills-wise, you’re always learning in this job. Being on my college course, there’s the potential to go onto an HND and degree. And there’s not a day that goes by that’s the same as the next one. I personally think that my skills are changing with each job that comes in and each role that I take on.
What elements did you enjoy most?
I’ve thoroughly enjoyed the learning side in industry. Having new things to do everyday, it stops the boredom setting in. The way these nuclear contracts are run, so much effort needs to go in, it’s so enjoyable. The days go unbelievably quickly because they’re always full of new things, new people and new opportunities.
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