Jay Craven joined FSG as an apprentice in September 2014 where he signed up for a Level 3 Modern Apprenticeship in Manufacturing Engineering. The apprenticeship, which was delivered by TSW Training, allows apprentices to learn, develop and practise the skills required for career progression in Advanced Manufacturing Engineering.
Engineering was always a path Jay wanted to take. “I first got into engineering to follow in my father’s footsteps,” he said. “I was always fixing and building things from an early age. It was just a natural progression for me to enrol on the Pathways to Apprenticeship programme and I soon completed my Level 2 PEO. I applied to become an apprentice at FSG in 2014 and since then I have been lucky enough to work in several sections. I’ve also been involved in a multi-million-pound refurb project which I never thought would be possible.”
Jay was extremely enthusiastic about the learning process and worked very well with his TSW Assessor, John Moulton, taking great pride in the contents and presentation of his portfolio which contained numerous additional units for the NVQ. John said: “Jay came to FSG having completed Pathways Level 2 Introduction to Engineering and having been named as ‘Student of the Year’ at Coleg Y Cymoedd, he made a great impression on the Apprentices Manager here and was earmarked from the start as one to watch. He’s certainly got a bright future at FSG.”
As a result of his success, Jay was awarded the prestigious title of Apprentice of the Year (aged 16-24 years) at VSP’s Learner and Apprentice Awards, which recognise and celebrate achievements in apprenticeships. At the ceremony, which was held at Cardiff’s Exchange Hotel on 14 November, Jay was presented with an award and certificate by Eluned Morgan, AM.
Steve Cope, Team Leader, nominated Jay for his hard work and enthusiasm. “Since joining the team Jay has worked incredibly hard to maintain the quality expected at FSG – he has demonstrated commitment, enthusiasm and a natural skill. He is not only a good engineer, but he is a pleasure to work with,” said Steve.