Q&A Apr 10, 2018

Meet Jacobs' Industrial Cadet of the Year Finalist

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Jacobs U.K. Apprentice and Industrial Cadet of the Year Finalist, Josh Davison, enjoyed one of the most memorable days of his life during National Apprenticeship Week when he visited the Houses of Parliament in London with Stockton South MP Paul Williams, and met His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales, at the Industrial CadetsAwards 2018.

Josh Davison first met with Jacobs whilst a student on the Jacobs Industrial Cadets Workshop in February 2017. The workshop is a week-long workplace experience program accredited at Industrial Cadets Silver Level. Industrial Cadets is an accreditation in the U.K. for young peoples’ workplace experiences of industry in science, technology, engineering and maths.

Meet Josh as he shares more about his experience of the Industrial Cadets program and his decision to do an apprenticeship.

What did you enjoy about the Jacobs Industrial Cadet program?

The week gave me a great insight into different disciplines and sectors within engineering at Jacobs, and allowed me to demonstrate some of my abilities. The program really helped me to refine what I was most interested in and I decided to look at a career path in electrical controls & instrumentation. I also gained valuable skills to help with my job and apprenticeship applications – including CV and cover letter writing and structure, and developing experience and confidence with interviews and presentations.

What are you doing now?

After the Industrial Cadets Program, I took the initiative to contact Jacobs to pursue more work experience in their Stockton office during my college half term. Jacobs asked me to talk to a new group of 16 Industrial Cadets participating in the workshop, which was great for my communications skills. The work experience helped me decide that I wanted to do an Engineering Apprenticeship with the company.

I am now in my first year of an Electrical Engineering Apprenticeship with Jacobs. Currently studying the first year of the Electrical Engineering Extended Diploma BTEC, at Middlesbrough College. I am also an active ambassador of the Jacobs Industrial Cadets program, and really enjoy sharing my experiences with new Cadets.

What attracted you to doing an apprenticeship?

Being able to apply what I’m learning really interested me. I have structured learning in the classroom that I can then apply on-the-job in the office and on site placements. I’m on the first stage of my career journey, being able to earn a salary while on my apprenticeship. 

What are you most proud of so far?

I’m very proud to be involved as an ambassador for the Jacobs Industrial Cadets program, so being named an Industrial Cadet Finalist this year and meeting His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales at the Awards has been an amazing experience.

Where would you like the apprenticeship to take you?

I’m keen to become a chartered engineer within Electrical Engineering. Through my work experience with Jacobs, I was amazed by both the diversity of the company and how each engineering discipline connects together as a team to work for the client.  The work experience also helped me get a better idea of timescales and training required to become a Chartered Electrical Engineer, and build an appreciation of the variety of engineering disciplines and how they work together. 

What advice would you give to the future generation of engineers?

I felt it was really important to find relevant work experience and then be prepared to get stuck in to get the most out of it. Don’t be afraid to ask questions and contribute in the discussions – it’ll help you find out more about which disciplines really interest you and the breadth of career opportunities available.