Made it Happen: Jack Ford’s Journey to Success in Civil Engineering

Apprenticeships at Salford City College are commending Jack Ford as part of the Salford City College Made it Happen Campaign.

Jack Ford is a driven and ambitious individual who seized the opportunity presented by ROC Consulting and Apprenticeships at Salford City College. Jack embarked on his journey as a Civil Engineering Apprentice, eager to make a mark in the industry.

What made you apply to Apprenticeships at Salford City College?

“I applied for an apprenticeship because there is no better time to start one than when you’re young. When I began my search, I was working on a call out for a forklift company who had intermittent work. Having previously completed a temporary placement at civil engineering, I knew I wanted that career path for the future and jumped at the opportunity to apply for the apprenticeship with Salford City College.”

What has your Apprenticeship journey so far been like?

“My Apprenticeship so far has been very interesting. I have been able to see all the planning that goes into some of the biggest projects, and I would say there is a lot more planning than I realised.  I have developed my skills over the last 4 months including maths and terminology regarding the subject I’m studying.”

What sort of things have you learnt on your Apprenticeship?

“At college we have learnt about stress and strain of concrete and bending moment of a beam. The benefit of being on an apprenticeship is getting to work with professionals in their field and being paid to learn and work your way up in the ranks of the company.”

What advice would you give to someone before they start an Apprenticeship?

“Advice I would give to people who want to take on an apprenticeship is keep taking notes! My employer has helped reassure me whenever I am overwhelmed which in many circumstances means a lot for someone who is just starting his career in this massive industry and can sometimes get caught up with it all. I have a lot of colleagues that are always up for a chat and any questions I have I know I can ask one of them.”

“It helps to make friends along the way, if ever I feel stuck with any questions, I need answering I know that I have people both at work or at college I can talk to.”

What has been your Made it Moment?

“My Made it Moment has been all the new people I have met and the new friends I have made.”

Is there anything else you would like to add?

“One thing I would like to add is about the never-ending knowledge you have to intake across both work and college - when trying to understand it all at once it can become tiring or frustrating.”

Want to find your made it moment? Follow Chris' footsteps in success and apply for Apprenticeships at Salford City College now! Click here.