Apprentice Adam is celebrating becoming our first Level 4 Engineering Apprentice at Chesterfield College to achieve the ‘Manufacturing Engineering Technician’ Apprenticeship Standard.
Kingfield Electronics specialises in providing outsourced manufacturing solutions to customers operating in a wide variety of market sectors. These function-critical markets include aerospace, defence, petrochemical, industrial and process instrumentation, life sciences and transportation.
Adam Hardwick is now a qualified electronics engineer working for ‘Kingfield Electronics Ltd’ responsible for supporting the technical department in manufacturing printed circuit boards and other types of electrical and electronic assemblies. He completed his level 4 ‘Manufacturing Engineering Technician’ Apprenticeship Standard qualification in 2023 achieving a Distinction grade.
Adam has the accolade of being the first level 4 engineering apprentice at Chesterfield College to achieve the ‘Manufacturing Engineering Technician’ Apprenticeship Standard. His success is testament to his drive and determination, as he had to overcome many obstacles during the Covid pandemic affecting his learning journey.
Adam and his employer were asked to comment on a few questions:
Adam Hardwick
Why did you choose to do an apprenticeship with Chesterfield College?
“Chesterfield College had the right course that I wanted to pursue. It is local to home and place of work. I was already familiar with it having attended for my BTEC qualification.”
How did what you learn in the classroom benefit you in your role at work?
“The course gave me a better understanding of the products we build and how they function in the outside world.”
Did you enjoy your time as an apprentice?
“Yes, it has pushed me to become a well-rounded Engineer which is very satisfying.”
What is the most valuable thing you have learnt as an apprentice?
“A better understanding of different disciplines and industries has helped me see the bigger picture outside of the sub-contract manufacturing world.”
What was your experience like working with your tutor and how have they helped you?
“Having several tutors with different experiences and backgrounds has been valuable to my understanding of Engineering disciplines.”
Would you recommend doing an apprenticeship at Chesterfield College to friends and family?
“Yes, it has great facilities, it’s clean, staff are approachable. They provide a wide range of courses throughout many industries, not just Engineering.”
Richard Purseglove (Employer)
How was your experience working with Chesterfield College?
“It was a pleasure to work with Rob throughout the process. Given that the course was new to both parties, Adam passed it with flying colours.”
How do your Chesterfield College apprentices benefit your company?
“By bringing new ideas, technologies, and ways of thinking into the business.”
How applicable was the training your apprentice(s) received to their day-to-day role?
“Many aspects of the course have been very useful and even the areas that we don’t use on a day-to-day basis are valuable to have an appreciation of.”
Were you happy with the communication you received with the college?
“Great communication via phone, email, and regular on-site visits.”
Would you use Chesterfield College again when hiring apprentices?
“Yes, should we look at taking on more apprentices in the future, Chesterfield College would be our first choice.”
Not being content to ‘rest on his laurels’, having completed his apprenticeship, Adam decided to continue his learning and is currently attending Chesterfield College where he is studying for a level 5 Higher National Diploma qualification.
Adam is a remarkable individual with a keen desire to learn and progress in the electronics industry. He is incredibly hard-working, extremely likeable, and an inspiration to us all.