For three Solihull men an apprenticeship with leading local firm Whale Tankers has provided the basis for a long-term, well-paid and interesting career in engineering.

Adam Heales and James Probyn, both 20 and from Wythall, joined the company in 2002 direct from Woodrush High School at Hollywood to start an Advanced Apprenticeship. A year later 19 year old Sean Skinner from Solihull, who attended Lyndon School, also embarked on the course, which can take up to four years to complete.

Their hard work was recognised this month with the award of an NVQ Level 3 in engineering and a BTEC National Certificate. Now all three have a worthwhile skilled trade on full pay and benefits and are permanent members of the 185 plus strong Whale workforce.

Mark Warmington, managing director at Whale Tankers, said: “Good quality apprenticeships are the foundation stones of the reputation for skilled engineering that the West Midlands has long enjoyed. I’m delighted that these three young men chose to join us here at Whale Tankers. They have worked hard to achieve their qualifications and are now much valued members of our team. We continue to see apprenticeships as a major contribution to our continued business success.”

The first year of their training was spent on theoretical and practical studies at the Engineering Employers Federation College in Tyseley. This was followed by spells in each of the departments at Whale Tankers Ravenshaw to give them an insight into the different types of work they might be doing once qualified. During this time they were taught a range of skills, including specialist welding using state-of-the-art equipment, were able to obtain a forklift truck operator’s licence, and recieved health and safety training.

Speaking of his apprenticeship, Adam Heales said that he had learned a lot about engineering and the course had made him realise that nothing is impossible. “I found the apprenticeship very enjoyable and liked the target setting, which really stretched you.”

Sean Skinner said: “I enjoyed all the different subjects covered at college and found that at difficult times there was always help along the way. I learned the importance in today’s world of having good qualifications and the way my apprenticeship was organised and managed was excellent.

For James Probyn, engineering is what has always interested him. “A few years ago I had a few C and D grade GCSE’s and now, four years on, I have a recognised, high quality qualification. It was definately worthwhile, especially when you consider all the benefits of working at Whale – pay, bonus, pension, health care, constant self-development and training and of course, the beautiful surroundings. Whale is a superb place to work!”

The Whale Tankers apprenticeship scheme currently has seven apprentices at different levels of training. It will soon be looking to recruit two more to bring it to its full compliment of nine.