Paige originally undertook an engineering apprenticeship in 2009, as part of The Essex Apprenticeship scheme, based at Harlow College.

She then secured an Advanced Apprenticeship with Applied Scintillation Technologies Ltd in Harlow, world leaders in phosphor and scintillation technology.

While working there as a Manufacturing Technical Support Apprentice, Paige went from strength to strength. She achieved a Level 3 NVQ, a Foundation Degree and completed her NVQ Level 4 in Engineering.

Paige’s career journey has come full circle as she is now employed at Harlow College as an Advanced Manufacture Research Assistant. Part of her role involves being on secondment to large companies to gain knowledge of highly technical equipment, which she can feedback to tutors in the new Harlow Advanced Manufacturing & Engineering Centre.

Connor studied his Foundation Degree in Engineering at University Centre Harlow and is currently working with Visteon Engineering Services based in Chelmsford, as an electronics technician.

On his learning experience Connor commented: “I work in a busy laboratory environment as an electronics technician, building and working on development builds/products for both external and internal customers. As a result of gaining my degree in engineering I’ve seen both my pay and working responsibilities increase faster than my colleagues who didn’t continue their learning into university level.