Morgan engineers his way to an apprenticeship
TOP marks in college have opened the door to a career in mechanical engineering for Rhondda learner Morgan, landing him an apprenticeship with a leading manufacturer.
Morgan Lewis, 21, from Ton Pentre, has secured a three-year apprenticeship with FSG Tool and Die Ltd – one of the largest privately owned design and build toolmaking companies in Europe – after his grades and dedication to the trade impressed bosses at the firm.
With the help of Coleg y Cymoedd’s Enhanced Engineering Programme (EEP), a one-year programme at the Rhondda campus which is designed to equip learners with the skills they need to enter the engineering industry, Morgan has achieved a distinction in his Level 3 mechanical engineering qualification.
Morgan originally completed a placement with FSG Tool and Die as part of his qualification, where he assisted and observed engineers. Impressed with his high grades in college and aptitude for engineering, Morgan was offered a position as an apprentice tool maker and precision engineer at the company once he completed his studies and secured his impressive results.
Morgan said: “I’m over the moon to have been offered this placement with FSG. I feel so lucky to have found a job that I’m passionate about which inspired me to achieve the best possible grades I could in order to progress at FSG.”
Over the course of the apprenticeship, Morgan will rotate around all engineering departments, such as milling, tool making, quality assessment and turning - machining operation performed on a lathe. Over the three years, he will sit exams and practical assessments, resulting in a Level 3 NVQ qualification alongside a Higher National Certificate (HNC) and Higher National Diploma (HND) in mechanical engineering.
Demonstrating Morgan’s dedication to developing personally and professionally, the hardworking learner was also named the “Rhondda Learner of The Year 2022”, an accolade which is awarded to learners within Coleg y Cymoedd who show excellence across the board in exams and practical assessments.
Looking ahead, Morgan hopes to learn all the tricks of the trade and secure a full-time position as a precision engineer with the company once his apprenticeship comes to an end.
Speaking of his future in mechanical engineering, Morgan said: “I’m currently working in the turning department and am operating my own machine. I’ve progressed really quickly and would like to stay on with FSG in a manufacturing role, creating different components for various companies.
“I love the variety of the job – no two days are the same. I feel really lucky to have fallen on my feet with the apprenticeship, especially after being unsure of what I wanted to do when I left school.”
Although Morgan enjoyed his course at college, it was a stressful period for him especially studying during the pandemic, but he is thankful for the support he received from his tutors.
He added: “I can’t praise the college enough for its support throughout my three years at Coleg y Cymoedd. The place has a great atmosphere with great tutors and people. I couldn’t think of a better place to have progressed my career.”