Deciding what you want to do when you leave school is one of the first big decisions a young person has to make. For many, the decision comes easy, but for others it’s a struggle.
The thought of giving up your weekends and holidays to undertake work experience with a business may fill a teenager with dread, but for 16-year-old Gavin Smart, it was his time with north-east company ITC Hydraulics that helped him establish a clear vision for his future career path.
After initially being interested in pursuing a career in either physical education or as a ROV pilot, Gavin began clocking up work experience with the hydraulic solutions specialist during his third year at Turriff Academy.
Working throughout his weekends and holidays, Gavin gained a valuable insight into both the company and industry at an early stage. Immersing himself in all things hydraulics, Gavin’s time with the firm saw him shadow experienced members of the team to help build up a basic knowledge of the service and maintenance of hydraulic equipment.
By showing a proactive attitude and a willingness to learn, Gavin was rewarded with an offer of a position as a hydraulic apprentice with the company; an opportunity he jumped at the chance to take by leaving school at Christmas last year.
Now employed by the company full-time, he has embarked on a four-year modern apprenticeship in hydraulics, something that Gavin believes his time gaining work experience with ITC has been pivotal in helping achieve.
He said: “Like most people my age, I was unsure as to what I really wanted to do once I left school. I got the chance to start some work experience with ITC and I can honestly say that it has been a massive aid in helping me decide what sort of career I’d like to pursue.
“When I was younger, I was always interested in building bits and bobs and I instantly enjoyed the type of work that the team at ITC was undertaking on a daily basis. I tried to get stuck in as much as I could and I’m delighted that I’m now a full-time part of the company.
“I’ve just started my modern apprenticeship and I’m looking forward to the mix of college and work throughout the coming months. The opportunity for further education was something that was really important to me and it’s great to have been given the chance to do this, alongside earning a living.
“For those looking at what they’d like to do after school, I’d encourage them to embrace any opportunity for work experience that they may get given as it’s a fantastic way of finding out more about particular jobs and industries. Personally, I found it a massive help in breaking into the working world and I’m glad that the hard work throughout my weekends and holidays has paid off.”