Tom passes apprenticeship exams with flying colours

Hard work has certainly paid off for Invicta engineer Tom Braithwaite who has recently passed his final apprenticeship exams with a fine collection of distinctions and merits.

Tom was taken on at our North Yorkshire-based factory in 2017 and simultaneously started a Level 2 apprenticeship in welding and fabrication at the Derwent Training Association in Malton, which specialises in providing engineering training across the region. This involved spending a day a week in college whilst consolidating and expanding his learning back at the work place.

After successfully completing his Level 2 qualification in July 2021, Tom immediately started a Level 3 course in mechanical engineering to reflect his increasing responsibilities at Invicta. Now, with this higher qualification also under his belt, he is fully trained in machine programming and operation; producing 2D CAD drawings and using various design software packages; as well as tool maintenance.

“When I first started out at Invicta, I assisted with the deburring, bending and welding of trays. Thanks to the skills that I have acquired during the apprenticeship, I am now involved with many other methods of working with metal and operate a wide range of machines within the factory, such as the turret punch, milling and turning machine and laser cutter. The course has also given me a greater appreciation of the business aspect of the company’s operations,” said Tom.

Martin Brown, Invicta’s Managing Director, added: “We are all extremely proud of Tom’s achievements who has worked very diligently throughout his training. Investment in staff and the desire to improve the expertise of the workforce has always been one of our main priorities and underpins our long-standing reputation within the industry for providing both finely crafted and innovative products.”