Case Study

Before starting my current apprenticeship, I completed a Level 3 apprenticeship, which gave me some key qualifications. Among these were Level 3 diplomas in Advanced Manufacturing Engineering and Manufacturing and Engineering Product Design and Development. I also completed several courses relevant to my role, which have qualified me to work effectively within my department and conduct audits confidently.

Prior to joining Nissan, I spent two years at college studying IT, alongside some part-time jobs. This combination of experience led me to my first apprenticeship with Nissan at Sunderland.

I currently work as a Quality Engineer in the Quality Assurance Department which has the overall objective of studying the effectiveness and compliance of systems and processes in relation to several agreed procedures and standards. My role focuses on Body Shop welding processes, ensuring that welding in the production department meets all required standards. Due to the complexity and audit requirements in this area, I also manage a team of four auditors who conduct checks throughout the shop. This leadership aspect is a unique position for an Engineer.

Balancing work and university study has been a challenge, but I’ve found that organisation and prioritisation are key. Most of my university coursework is completed outside of work, mainly in the evenings and on Fridays, which is my designated study day. With proper time management, I’ve been able to juggle both work and study, while also volunteering as the Student Voice Representative for all apprentices at the University of Sunderland.

The apprenticeship has been essential in my development and has directly impacted my role at work. Key areas of my learning, such as mathematics and statistics for engineers, project management, lean manufacturing principles, and electrical and mechanical engineering principles, have been incredibly useful in my daily tasks and in the various projects I have been involved in.

I started my apprenticeship at 18 with a Level 3 Engineering program. After completing it, I became a Quality Inspector in the Parts Quality Assurance department. Less than a year later, I was promoted to Team Leader. Around the same time, I began my Degree Apprenticeship, which has been a natural progression in my career. After another year as a Team Leader, I moved into my current role as an Engineer in the Audit & Compliance department. 

Once I graduate, I plan to continue progressing according to my Career Development Plan, which outlines my goals and the key roles I aim to take on. I’m also looking at further education, with the possibility of pursuing a Senior Leader MBA.

My apprenticeship has allowed me to contribute to several key projects, positively impacting the business. One of the most significant contributions I’ve made is in improving communication methods within the department, which has led to better quality processes. I’ve also been heavily involved in the adoption of mixed reality technology within the Quality Assurance department. From the early stages of product testing to implementation and adoption, I played a key role in bringing this innovative technology to the department. 
 
The University of Sunderland is fully equipped with various facilities, tools and equipment that have aided in my personal, professional development. I may not use some of the equipment that I have learnt with at the University at work, but being able to learn these and their applications has been truly fascinating. 

Studying an apprenticeship at the University of Sunderland has been an incredible experience for me. Not only have I developed both personally and professionally, but I’ve also had the opportunity to help improve the apprenticeship program itself as the Student Voice Representative. 

Based on my experience, I would absolutely recommend apprenticeships to anyone looking to kick-start their career.

Apprenticeships are a fantastic way of starting a career and can provide the foundations you need to do so, and the University of Sunderland has helped me drastically to better myself as an Engineer. I’d certainly recommend the University of Sunderland apprenticeship provisions to anyone that is looking at pursuing an apprenticeship. "

Published 15 January 2025