FINISHING school or leaving college is a daunting prospect for many young people as they face major decisions that will affect their future. Unlike many of his peers, Dennis Chikwanha, Research Technician at Oxford University, decided to avoid the traditional educational route into university and opted to do an Apprenticeship through training provider ATG Training.

ATG Training delivers vocational qualifications to support the learning and development of workers and employers in a range of industries and has done so for more than 40 years.

Ever since he was young, Dennis enjoyed the more practical ways of learning, so the very thought of years of pure textbook study put him off the traditional routes of study and gaining a qualification.

Dennis noticed the Apprenticeship opportunities available through ATG Training and visited one of their Open Days to gather more information. Inspired by what he saw in the engineering workshop, Dennis successfully applied to pursue an Apprenticeship.

During his foundation Apprenticeship training, Dennis gained an appreciation of engineering principles and practices, achieving a level of qualification and practical experience that kick-started his career.

During his time on the Apprenticeship programme at ATG Training, the Learner Support team coached Dennis in the skills required to gain employment and introduced him to the team at Oxford University where he successfully applied for the role of Research Technician.

Oxford University is in the global premier league when it comes to higher education, so it is not surprising that they advocate Apprenticeships for the vocational roles they have within the various university departments.

The university has a long-running and well focused Apprenticeship programme, covering several different routes and the commitment they have as an employer is extemporary. Good news for people looking to get their foot on the career ladder.

In his role within the Engineering Department at Oxford University, Dennis manufactures specimens for the fourth year undergraduates to use in experimental and testing environments.

He said: “I wanted to get involved in real work and more importantly, learn some real life working skills that I could use in my job.

“I see so many people with engineering or electronic degrees but who are unable to use the equipment.

“Training while I am working enables me to put into practice what I have learnt straight away and really apply it in my day to day work.

“Doing the Apprenticeship has enabled me to learn while I am earning. This has not only helped me career-wise but also personally by enabling me to be much more financially independent than many of my friends.”

Dennis added: “The ATG course tutor has been fantastic and really put my mind at rest – he is very open and transparent making it very easy to ask questions.”

After completing the Apprenticeship Dennis has gone on to study an HNC in Electrical/Electronic and Mechanical Engineering, which Oxford University are supporting him to do through ATG Training. This has many different modules with some focusing on the business and management side of things.

He said: “Learning about management issues from day one means I have a much broader understanding of the business and therefore understand why certain decisions have to be made.

“Understanding the wider business issues puts me in good stead for the future. My aim now is to continue my studies to achieve an HND and ultimately a degree in engineering.”