A NORTHAMPTON College student has landed a job managing a team of 15 engineers, just weeks after completing his apprenticeship.
Adam Drake, 23, has spent the past three years combining his studies with working at Atlantech Seating in Weedon Bec. Having risen through the ranks and impressing bosses with his problem-solving and hard work, he has now been promoted to the position of workshop manager.
The company produces specialist seating components for commercial vehicles, with Adam playing a pivotal role in the design and manufacturing process, making the most of the skills he acquired during his Fabrication and Welding course at Northampton College in Booth Lane.
Atlantech managing director Geoff Bratt said: “We are delighted with Adam, he has proven himself to be extremely dexterous and a vital member of the team.
“He’s done very well in his time here and has really come out of his shell. His progress has been rapid and is now leading his team by example.
“We’ve all been impressed with his positive attitude towards work, he never has a negative word to say about anything. If we want something doing we know we can go to Adam and him and his team will produce the goods.”
Adam was working in a garden centre, stacking shelves and working on the tills until he signed up for the apprenticeship scheme with Northampton College. His qualification has now given him the opportunity to forge a new career for himself.
Lecturer Mark Clifford said: “Adam is a fantastic example of a student who has worked hard in college and is now reaping the rewards in the world of work. He was keen to learn new skills and put them into practice into his everyday work and his attitude was first class.
“I’m delighted to see him doing well and it proves that apprenticeships at college are an excellent route into full-time employment. I hope his success inspires others to follow suit.”
For more information on apprenticeships and courses available at Northampton College visit www.northamptoncollege.ac.uk/courses