Apprentice electrical engineer Joe Buckland has overcome the challenges of dyslexia to win an Apprentice of the Year award.
Joe once felt nobody expected him to succeed in exams and qualifications – but he has earned 12 GCSEs, is achieving top marks in his college course and has now been named Engineering Apprentice of the Year at the Cardiff and Vale College Apprenticeship Awards.
The 23-year-old, who works at Monmouth-based water treatment specialist Siltbuster, was honoured for his achievements in studying for a Level 4 Higher National Certificate (HNC) in general engineering, with a specialism in electrical work.
Joe, formerly a pupil at Monmouth Comprehensive School, said:
“When I was going into secondary school, because I was quite heavily dyslexic I was pretty much told I wasn’t going to get any GCSEs. It took me a long time to realise that maybe I’m not as stupid as other people were saying, and I came out with 12 GCSEs.
“For this apprenticeship, I found being able to connect the theory side of the learning with the practical makes it so much easier to learn. At Siltbuster, there are experienced people who have worked here for close to 20 years, with a huge amount of knowledge – so if you’re unsure about anything there’s always someone happy to help you. You’re treated as one of the team.”
Joe was introduced to Siltbuster by a friend who worked there, at a time when he was unsure about his career path after finishing A Levels.
“I joined Siltbuster as an employee at the start for about six months, allowing me to get used to the world of engineering and the business as a whole,” he said. “Then I was put forward into the apprenticeship programme, in the mechanical workshop where we create bespoke units and systems for customers.
“I’m getting lots of on-site experience, which is where I think you learn the most, and it really tests your understanding of the systems.”
After completing the Level 4 qualification, Joe decided to stay in college for another year to pursue a Level 5 Higher National Diploma (HND), where he continues to thrive at an advanced level.
Joe’s award citation said: “Joe’s work often sets the gold standard and he has shown remarkable growth and determination throughout his apprenticeship. He consistently produces high-quality work at distinction level on the first attempt.
“Joe approaches every task with a positive attitude and a focus on producing work of the highest quality, serving as an inspiration to his peers and setting a benchmark for success.”
As well as winning this award, Joe was a finalist for Apprentice of the Year at the Made in Wales Awards. He plans to continue his studies by taking on a Level 5 Higher National Diploma (HND), which will involve a further year of college.
He hopes his success will inspire others with similar challenges to consider apprenticeships as a career path.
“I had to find this out for myself, but if I had heard of this kind of work at school, I think it would have made a career in engineering seem more viable,” he said.
“If people are struggling at school, this is a different way to learn – I’d be proud if anyone looks at what I’ve done and decided to take the same route.”
Siltbuster has an ongoing apprenticeship programme, which is completed over a four-year period and combines college study on block release with day-to-day experience at the company’s Monmouth headquarters. For more information see the Careers section at www.siltbuster.co.uk
