Level 6 Engineering Degree Apprentice, Alex Whinfrey-Gibson, has completed his Bachelor of Engineering Maintenance degree from The University of Sheffield’s Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre (AMRC) while working full-time at H+H’s Pollington factory for the last two years.
Alex began working at H+H in 2022, after spending the first year of his apprenticeship working for a different manufacturer specialising in rotatory equipment. His initial experience was more office-based, and so he was thrilled to be able to take on a more dynamic role with H+H where he could grow as an engineer in a variety of areas.
Day-to-day Alex works on projects, and has even led his own, looking to improve H+H’s manufacturing technology and maintenance strategy, adding value to the company. He spends his time evaluating different aspects of the factories and determining any operational improvements that could be made. This exposure to practical issues as well as working closely with the site management team has allowed Alex to develop a business acumen he feels is unique to his role at H+H at such an early stage in his career.
Alex’s success has made him an asset to his team, regularly using his data science skillset to supplement proactive performance. He has managed projects such as engineering a solution to improve the longevity of factory equipment, saving the company time and money. He has also taken a particular interest in projects that have a positive environmental impact, re-igniting H+H’s use of boreholes to reduce its dependency on water transported from external sources. The experience he has gained in his role has helped him confirm that he’d like to go down the route of project engineering.
Alex enjoys working with H+H as he feels they recognise his passion for his field. He explained:
“While working at H+H, the team has nurtured my passion by giving me autonomy in choosing which projects I work on, helping to stimulate my interests and allowing me the space to innovate.”
This support has led Alex to develop his expertise in multiple areas, giving him a well-rounded start to his engineering career.
H+H has further supported Alex in his studies by offering him offsite training courses to provide him with enhanced practical experience. The team was also mindful of any exam periods, with colleagues in the engineering department taking over some responsibilities to help Alex free up his time for extra studying.
Despite the commitment of studying for over twenty hours a week around a full-time job, Alex has thoroughly enjoyed his degree. He has enjoyed the diverse learning experience it’s provided him, as well as the challenging workload that has shown him that he’s capable of achieving more than previously believed.
Alex’s passion extends beyond his work and studying hours. Though his degree has come to an end, he will continue working with The University of Sheffield’s Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre as a volunteer, offering some of his spare time to inspire the next generation of engineers.
“I find being a STEM ambassador for AMRC really rewarding, especially talking to people about the opportunities in engineering, whether it is school kids thinking about the future, or people who want a career change. It’s fulfilling to teach people about roles they might not have known were a possibility for them.”
Looking to the future, Alex is excited to work as a project engineer. He is still enjoying the variety his current role provides and doesn’t want to limit himself to one niche just yet.
“I’d love to keep exploring what project engineering at H+H has to offer and experimenting with what areas excite me the most. Then after a few years, I will have a better idea of whether I’d like to specialise.”
On a personal note, Alex is very much looking forward to the twenty hours a week he will gain back now his degree is completed, and plans on picking his guitar back up, as well as taking a celebratory golfing holiday with his friends.