– Why did you choose to join the LIBERTY team as an apprentice two years ago?

– I was thinking about a new career in the laboratory, as I had some prior experience in the scientific field. So, when I found the apprenticeship with LIBERTY Powder Metals, I made the decision to apply at once. The career prospects from the role and the work that I would be doing within the laboratory made me interested in this role. I was excited to learn and to become part of a hard-working LIBERTY team.

– What does your role include? Do you like it?

– I enjoy the hands-on aspect of my role, completing tests and checking whether samples are within specification limits. I work independently in the lab the majority of the time, so people often rely on me to be able to tell them results in order to progress their work. I analyse particle size, flowability and density as well as the chemical composition of the powders. I am also trained to use the concept laser printer and I am now the site radiation protection supervisor.

As part of the apprenticeship process, I was required to attend TTE (training provider) once a week in order to achieve a technical certificate which involved completing assignments, a practical exam and a written exam. I was also required to build up a portfolio as part of my National Vocational Qualifications (NVQ) certificate requirements that included written questions explaining such things as the day-to-day tasks that I was training to complete and the correct procedures that the company requires its employees to work in accordance with. Once I completed the technical certificate and the NVQ, I worked towards completing the end point assessment (EPA) which included a multiple-choice exam, a technical interview and laboratory observation.

I was given time during the working week to complete any necessary assignments, so I didn’t find it too difficult to balance the required assignments with working at the same time.

– Who helped you during your apprenticeship?

– When I started my apprenticeship, I was mentored by James Ashby who was the previous Technical Manager at LIBERTY Powder Metals. He taught me all of the required testing methods in the lab and made sure that I had time to complete any necessary work for my studies. I have also learnt a lot from James’ replacement, Adam Hunt who is continuously guiding me in my role. All of the employees at LIBERTY Powder Metals have mentored me in one way or another during my apprenticeship and continue to do so. They have always had confidence in my abilities, and they often commend me for my work ethic. I also had support from the tutors at TTE/Middlesbrough college, especially Jamie Hunter, who was engaging and always ready to help.

Jamie Hunter, TTE/Middlesbrough College:

Historically Joanna is one of the first apprentices through TTE / Middlesbrough college to meet the challenging criteria of distinction using the end point assessment model. Throughout the course Joanna worked very hard. Her background in academia gave her behaviours that allowed her sequence her learner journey with the support of her line mangers and guidance from myself as her assessor/trainer. This approach allowed her to fully understand the intent of the apprenticeship standard and refine her knowledge, skills and behaviours to meet that standard. And finally, Joanna got the successful result she can be proud of! I am sure that it will help her in the future.

– What did you personally do to get a distinction in your EPA?

– I was motivated to perform well in my assessments because I have worked hard to learn and get to the point that I am now, and I wanted that to be reflected in my assessment results. I feel like I have learnt a lot during my apprenticeship and that I am beneficial to the company, so I just wanted to prove to myself that all of the effort that I make is paying off. And I am very satisfied with the results. Receiving a distinction has validated all of the hard work that I have done to get to this point. It has given me confidence in my ability to do my role effectively.

– What advice can you give to other students/graduates to help them choose their future career path?

– Work hard, and even if you’re not exactly sure where you want to end up, just try new things and you may stumble onto something unexpected that interests you. Completing this apprenticeship and all of the work that it has involved has shown me that the more effort I put in, the better the results are. In the future, as the business grows, I would like to be working in the laboratory, possibly in a team leader role, helping other apprentices achieve their career goals.

Dr Adam Hunt, LIBERTY Powder Metals:

Throughout Joanna’s apprenticeship she has shown the highest level of commitment to her learning and to LIBERTY Powder Metals. It is no surprise that Joanna has achieved the highest grade attainable in her end-point-assessment. She is passionate about her role and our industry and I can see a bright future ahead for her as the Company grows. I’d like to personally thank Joanna for all of her hard work so far.