Chris Taylor joined Packaging Automation 2003 as an Electrical Engineer Apprentice, this is Chris’s story…
At the age of 18, having come through Grammar School and completed my A Levels, I was practically on my way to University when I realised that I just was not ready for that. Maybe, I was not mature enough, but I knew that I did not want to continue studying. Having worked part time throughout college, I was keen to continue working and earning!
Some friends of mine were taking the apprenticeship route and I got in touch with their training provider who, luckily for me, suggested an Apprenticeship with Packaging Automation. Although I started my Apprenticeship as an Electrical Engineer, halfway through I moved to Systems which meant that the training provider had to get certified to deliver the Systems Engineer Apprenticeship, but it was definitely the right decision for me.
The great thing for me about my Apprenticeship was getting to work in all departments and to meet all #TeamPA, I guess you could say it was like one long induction programme. It is great to get to try lots of different things, even those you are not good at – which was welding for me!
I completed my Apprenticeship, obtained my ONC, HND and even went to degree level, supported by PA, completing my BEng (Hons) Automation and Control in 2012 at Manchester Metropolitan University.
Now, in 2021, I am Head of Systems Engineering at PA, and the longest standing member of the Systems Team.