Celebrating Success: Hythe’s 2019 cohort Apprentices graduate
As we celebrate the graduation of our 2019 cohort of apprentices, it’s impossible not to feel a deep sense of pride in what these young professionals have accomplished. Despite the challenges, including an unexpected extension of their apprenticeship due to the COVID-19 pandemic, they have emerged not just as qualified tradespeople, but as resilient, skilled, and dedicated professionals.
We spoke to each of the apprentice graduates to reflect on their journeys, achievements, and future aspirations. Their responses offer a glimpse into the hard work and determination that brought them to this milestone.
We also share some kind words from Training Manager Alister O’Neill, who played a pivotal role in guiding these apprentices into the well-rounded members of the team we see today.
Interviews With our Newly Qualified Tradespersons
Billy Bramble
Q: What were the main projects you worked on during your apprenticeship?
Billy: I was involved in several key projects, including the PIP projects on Type 45 destroyers, which involved welding seatings and burning off existing structures. I also worked on various Challenger boats, dealing with inserts due to the shell thickness deteriorating over time. Another significant project was a lifeboat in Lymington, which was a reactive job after the hull had been damaged.
Q: What was your favourite moment or biggest achievement?
Billy: My biggest achievement was definitely getting through the apprenticeship—passing both the practical and theoretical sides. Successfully passing my weld tests was also a highlight.
Q: What are your plans now that you’ve finished your apprenticeship?
Billy: I hope to continue progressing in the trade and eventually move abroad to work.
Q: Would you recommend apprenticeships at Hythe? If yes, why?
Billy: Absolutely. An apprenticeship at Hythe is a great opportunity to get paid while learning on the job, which is ideal.
Lleyton Hussey
Q: What were the main projects you worked on during your apprenticeship?
Lleyton: Some of the main projects I worked on were the Spay and Tamar, where I ran a completely new pipe system through the ship. I also did a lot of pipe fabrication in the workshop for the HMS Dragon and HMS Defender refits.
Q: What was your favourite moment or biggest achievement?
Lleyton: Passing my copper-nickel and steel pipe butt welds and all my exams was my biggest achievement.
Q: What are your plans now that you’ve finished your apprenticeship?
Lleyton: My plan is to continue learning and gaining more knowledge and experience to enhance my skill set.
Q: Would you recommend apprenticeships at Hythe? If yes, why?
Lleyton: Definitely. The tradesmen at Hythe are the best to learn from, and they help you get through your apprenticeship with the knowledge required to succeed.
Archie Hudson
Q: What were the main projects you worked on during your apprenticeship?
Archie: I worked primarily on the HMS Dragon and HMS Defender projects, focusing on welding seatings and overhead stiffeners in the sea chests.
Q: What was your favourite moment or biggest achievement?
Archie: Passing my welding codes in flux-core MIG welding and completing jobs on my own on Navy vessels were my biggest achievements.
Q: What are your plans now that you’ve finished your apprenticeship?
Archie: I plan to continue gaining experience and knowledge in fabricating and welding, particularly on Navy vessels.
Q: Would you recommend apprenticeships at Hythe? If yes, why?
Archie: Yes, because you gain valuable skills and experience along the way.
Cody Stone
Q: What were the main projects you worked on during your apprenticeship?
Cody: The main projects included the pre-fabrication for the Defender project and flakt work when I first started at Hythe. This is where I learned about pattern development, marking out fold lines and cut lines, and using high-end machinery with precision.
Q: What was your favourite moment or biggest achievement?
Cody: My favourite moment was taking the lead on my first job—an insert on the Defender. I marked, cut, and fitted the insert as the main fabricator. But my biggest achievement has been learning to fit in and work effectively with those around me, making everyone’s life easier.
Q: What are your plans now that you’ve finished your apprenticeship?
Cody: I plan to keep improving my knowledge and abilities as a fabricator, constantly pushing myself to tackle challenging jobs and become a well-rounded tradesman.
Q: Would you recommend apprenticeships at Hythe? If yes, why?
Cody: Without a doubt. The Hythe apprenticeship gives you the chance to dive straight into challenging jobs that require you to think outside the box and work accurately every time. It allows you to progress much faster if you’re keen to work and learn.
A Proud Reflection from Alister O’Neill
Alister’s dedication to his role as a mentor and leader ensures that every apprentice and member of the team receives the guidance and support they need to succeed, making him an integral part of the Hythe team and a key contributor to the success of our apprenticeship program.
Reflecting on the journey of this particular cohort, Alister shared his thoughts:
“I’m incredibly proud to share that my 2019 cohort of apprentices has now fully qualified. Watching them grow from eager learners to skilled professionals has been a remarkable journey. Their path to qualification wasn’t easy, especially given the unexpected challenges brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic. Through no fault of their own, their apprenticeship was prolonged, leading to frustration and uncertainty. Yet, despite these obstacles, they never wavered.
Each of them demonstrated remarkable resilience, pushing on even when the road ahead seemed uncertain. Their ability to adapt, stay focused, and continue honing their skills during such a challenging time is truly commendable. Their hard work and dedication have not only led to their own success but have also set a high standard for future apprentices.
As we celebrate this significant milestone, I would like to take this opportunity to not only congratulate the apprentices but also extend my deepest thanks to the exceptionally skilled tradesmen, operational managers, and supervisors who have guided them along this journey. Your expertise, patience, and support have been instrumental in shaping these apprentices into the professionals they are today. This achievement is as much yours as it is theirs.
Seeing them now as fully qualified Tradespersons, I feel a deep sense of pride. They are a testament to what can be achieved with perseverance and drive. I have no doubt that they will go on to make significant contributions to the industry, and I’m excited to see all the incredible things they will accomplish in their careers.
Congratulations to each of the apprentices – they’ve truly earned this achievement!”
Learn more about the Hythe Engineering apprenticeship scheme.