Learner Stories
Every learner’s journey is different. This page shares where former SIGTA apprentices are now and how their training helped shape their careers.
Were you a SIGTA apprentice? We’d love to hear where your journey has taken you.
My career has gone full circle, I feel very lucky doing what I currently do, which is giving back what I was once given; training and development needed for a career in engineering.
Gaining my apprenticeship through SIGTA has been essential in getting to where I am now, the experience gained has allowed me to take a path which would normally take a lot longer to achieve.
Today, I run a LED lighting company with business partners, and we focus on making savings for the NHS. I have no doubt that I would not be doing what I am today if I had not started as an apprentice
In this position I get to work with high end customers such as Rolls Royce and Siemens and have also been able to travel to our manufacturing plant in Germany and visited customers in Scotland
Overall, apprenticeships can give you a really good grounding to allow you to put into practice what you are learning and then give you the opportunity to take your skills further and progress.
At sixteen I was fortunate enough to be offered an apprenticeship at a mechanical engineering company called Vacuum Generators in Hastings East Sussex
Completing a SIGTA apprenticeship genuinely changed my life for the better in ways I could only dream of at the time.
LEARNER HIGHLIGHT
Howard’s Story
“Through school I never really had a focus on what career I wanted to pursue, I knew I wanted something interesting and challenging. I signed up to an ‘Access to Engineering’ course which gave me an insight to various areas such as Mechanical and Electrical Engineering, Electrical Installation and Design.”
Our Top Interview Tips
How should I research a company before an interview?
How can I plan my journey to the interview?
What should I wear to an interview?
What should I bring to the interview?
Bring a copy of your CV or application form, along with any notes or cue cards you may need. It is also helpful to review the job advert beforehand to refresh your understanding of the role.
Should I prepare questions for the interviewer?
Yes. Prepare at least four or five questions about the role or company. Some may be answered during the interview, so having extras ensures you are still ready to ask thoughtful questions.
How do I show I am a good fit for the job?
Think about why the company is hiring and how your skills match their needs. Be ready to explain how you can contribute to the role and the organisation.
What if I do not have much work experience?
Focus on your strengths and achievements. Talk about relevant experiences such as team sports, hobbies, or projects. These can demonstrate important skills like teamwork, problem solving, and dedication.
What kinds of activities can I mention as strengths?
You can mention activities such as playing sports, building or repairing things, working on bikes or DIY projects, or creating models or computers. These show practical skills, initiative, and the ability to learn.
Our apprenticeship partners
St Leonards
SIGTA have worked with Technoturn for the last 4 years developing apprentices that are being trained there by experienced machinists on a range of CNC machine tools.
Newhaven
Plastec are a precision mould shop moulding plastic components for a variety of customers. They design, manufacture and run mould tools.
Shoreham By Sea
Suppliers of explosion protection solutions (ATEX) for the materials handling and oil and gas industries.
Jarvis Brook
Servomex manufacture gas analysers. SIGTA has worked with them for 20+ years developing their apprentices.
Henfield
Precision machinists manufacturing automotive components. SIGTA have successfully recruited apprentices for this great company – our training officer works closely with their apprentices helping them work towards their qualifications.
Horsham
Manufacturers of Electrical Switchgear for Hospitals, Schools, office blocks and public buildings
Worthing
Nordell is one of the UK’s leading plastic injection moulders providing components to various customers in many different sectors.
Storrington
Manufacturers of resistive, gradient and Super-conducting magnets for the medical and scientific industries.
Hailsham
Unibloc carry out CNC machining and manufacture pumps. SIGTA have been working with them for over 20 years.
Haywards Heath
Manufacturers of instrumentation and protection systems for marine and industrial applications
London
Maintains building services in offices in London. SIGTA have worked with JLL for 8 years training and managing their apprentices in London
Byfleet, Surrey
Supercraft is one of the most trusted precision aerospace engineering companies in the UK.
SIGTA work with the Brighton i360 to train highly skilled maintenance engineers to maintain the complex systems that allow the one off attraction to work. We have been working with them for the last 4+ years.
Camberley
SIGTA have worked with Alfa Laval in one form or another for over 20 years. We now work developing their Fitter apprentices to service and maintain centrifugal separators.
Newhaven
Felcon design and build specialist equipment for cleanrooms, laboratories and hospitals, and have been doing so since 1971.
Wooton
Azenta Life Sciences is dedicated to enabling life sciences organizations around the world to bring impactful breakthroughs and therapies to market – faster.
SIGTA have worked with Crosthwaite & Gardiner for over 20 years developing apprentices that machine components for vintage collectable cars and racing cars.
Lancing
At Eschmann, we are proud of our history and heritage. We were first established in 1830 and started life manufacturing elastic gum instruments in central London.
CAE is a high-technology company specialising in pilot training through the use of flight simulators. With 50+ training locations and 250+ full-flight simulators, CAE has the largest civil aviation training network in the world.
Hove
Hosiden manufacture components for the information communication, automotive electronics, home entertainments and audio-visual marketplaces.
Yateley
SIGTA have been working with Atlantic Precision for over 20 years developing their apprentices.
Lewes
Hanover design and manufacture passenger information systems for the public transport industry – including the latest digital bus signage.
St Leonards
Interface Manufacturing Ltd has been supplying quality manufactured electronic assemblies to clients’ specifications since 1999.
Hove
Manufacturers of Electrical and Mechanical Switchgear for Railways, Hospitals, schools, office blocks and public buildings
Edenbridge
MARCO supplies high ROI weigh-packing systems that significantly reduces labour and overpack within the fresh produce and food manufacturing operations.
East & West Sussex
Healthcare Technician Apprentices are responsible for the provision of medical equipment services and the management, maintenance and repair of medical devices for East and West Sussex Healthcare Trusts.
Apprenticeship Vacancies
We offer apprenticeships in Engineering, Manufacturing and Business Admin/ Customer Service. Apprenticeships require on and off the job training, with the majority of engineering apprenticeships benefitting from day release training delivered by SIGTA. Get well paid to learn and gain industry respected qualifications. Start your career here!