Ryan Pickering
Study Type: Apprenticeship
Study Location: The Roundhouse
Subject Studied: Engineering
Maintenance apprentice Ryan values on the job learning at Moy Park
Learning on the job from experienced maintenance engineers is one of the best aspects of being an apprentice for 18-year-old Ryan Pickering.
Ryan, who has always enjoyed practical subjects, is currently on a Derby College level 3 engineering apprenticeship with food company Moy Park in Ashbourne.
He said: “It’s great. I’m really liking it. The people are so friendly and there’s such a lot to learn. I’m involved in helping maintain the poultry processing machinery.
What I enjoy most is watching the experienced maintenance engineers when there’s a problem with a machine. I like seeing how they approach the issue; what they do to fix it and which tools they use.”
Ryan, previously a full-time electrical then engineering student at Derby College, applied for the opportunity after seeing it on the Gov.UK apprenticeships website.
He added: “I’m on day release at the Roundhouse but, sadly, because of the lockdown we’re currently unable to go into college. Our lecturers keep in touch but learning remotely just isn’t the same.
It’s a shame but at least I’m still working and still learning every day. The facilities and equipment at college are great. I like the practical side and doing day release is a chance to be with other people my own age.”
Ryan, who lives in Ashbourne, said he would definitely recommend an apprenticeship at Moy Park and looks forward to completing his on-site training and going back to college when day release resumes.
It’s great. I’m really liking it. The people are so friendly and there’s such a lot to learn. I’m involved in helping maintain the poultry processing machinery. What I enjoy most is watching the experienced maintenance engineers when there’s a problem with a machine. I like seeing how they approach the issue; what they do to fix it and which tools they use.