Scott engineers new opportunities with an apprenticeship

Scott Tomlinson, a former chef, has demonstrated exceptional skills and resilience during his apprenticeship which has seen him retrain as an engineer.

He had initially worked in catering for many years, working in multiple Michelin star restaurants and traveling around the world with his job. However, driven by a desire to expand his skillset and spend more time with family, Scott made a bold career change and secured a position as an Engineering Fitter Apprentice at All British Precision Ltd, in partnership with Burton and South Derbyshire College (BSDC).

An apprenticeship is a real job with structured training, combining hands-on experience with the chance to gain qualifications in a specific industry. Apprentices have the opportunity to re-train as adults, develop new skills and build valuable work experience.

Scott’s dedication and high-quality work soon paid off and he recently won Burton and South Derbyshire College’s Apprentice of the Year. Speaking about his apprenticeship, Scott said: “I’m working in a great place, and I’ve just been accredited in aerospace so we’re making parts for aerospace, military defence and supercars. It’s fantastic.”

Scott is enjoying his new career path and the satisfaction and work/life balance it brings. He commented: “I’m proud of myself and I put it down to the work I did at Burton and South Derbyshire College. My tutor was fantastic - I don’t think I would have been able to do this without him. With my new role, I now get to spend more time with my family which is the best thing ever.”

Anyone looking to start an apprenticeship can contact the BSDC Learner Services Team on 01283 494400 or go to: https://www.bsdc.ac.uk/apprenticeships to find out more about how to apply. Meanwhile, employers looking to recruit an apprentice can contact the College on 01283 494510.