National Apprenticeship Week – celebrating Computer-Aided Design (CAD) apprentice Ben Tonks

National Apprenticeship Week is taking place this week (10^th – 16^th February), and here at Thurston Group, we’re keen to celebrate our brilliant colleagues who’ve undertaken, or are currently undertaking, apprenticeships.

To kick the week off, we’re speaking to Ben Tonks, who is currently completing his Computer-Aided Design (CAD) apprentice with our technical team.

Here, Ben talks us through his favourite project, the most rewarding part of his apprenticeship, and how he views his long-term career prospects.

Can you describe a typical day as an apprentice at Thurston?

“Every day I am still learning something new, even after being here for over a year. It’s been invaluable getting so much real industry experience and applying the textbook theories to real situations.”

What is the most interesting project or task you’ve worked on so far?

“My favourite project I have worked on so far is for some feasibility work we carried out for a well-known golf club. It was my first time properly using building modelling software Revit to design the project, and it was a beautiful extension to an existing golf club with an ocean view.”

What new skills or knowledge have you gained since starting your apprenticeship?

“Thanks to the technical team I have gained more skills and knowledge than I ever gained from school or college, being able to work on real projects with real customers is fantastic for my development.”

How do you balance gaining hands-on experience with the theoretical college learning involved in the programme?

“Every chance I get to I am working on college studies in between jobs. Also, every Monday I study my BTEC.”

What support have you received from mentors, colleagues, or Thurston as part of your development?

“Everyone on the technical team always works with me through different challenges I face along my way.” I am surrounded by colleagues with incredible experience and time served with the business so feel very fortunate to be able to receive training, mentoring and guidance from them all.

What challenges have you faced during your apprenticeship, and how did you overcome them?

“When I first started my apprenticeship, I was struggling with time management and balancing my workload with college work. Now I do my college work in between jobs, giving me more time to be able to focus on two separate things.”

What has been the most rewarding or exciting moment of your apprenticeship so far?

“I’d find it hard to pick just one moment – overall I am proud of how far I have come within only a year of working here at Thurston Group, it’s very rewarding to have learnt so many new skills.”

How do you see this apprenticeship helping you achieve your long-term career goals?

“This apprenticeship will be a huge help for me, as I couldn’t be getting more hands-on experience than I am in a workplace. If I was just studying in college or university I would have the qualifications, but I wouldn’t have any live experience, and I feel that’s what will help me in the future and give me that head start.

Connect with Ben on LinkedIn here.