Software Engineer Reece Berry has become the latest former student to join Weightron Bilanciai’s apprenticeship program after opting to forego the more traditional higher education and student loans in favour of real-world experience, on-the-job training – and an income. He has taken up the position after his predecessor completed a Graduate Apprenticeship scheme at Sheffield Hallam University.

 

18-year-old Reece recently left Chesterfield’s St Mary’s Sixth Form with A-levels in ICT, English Literature and Drama and felt that an apprenticeship represented the best way for him to get ahead in the type of work in which he was most interested.

“I chose to go down the apprenticeship route as I was passionate about IT and software development. I had the option to go to university, but I wanted to work in a real, live environment to gain a mixture of skills that would benefit me in multiple ways.

“Weightron Bilanciai is providing me with the training, support and skills I require to undertake the challenge of becoming a highly skilled software engineer and developer, this has given me the chance to explore and learn areas of IT I never knew about.”

Not that Reece’s plans mean that he will completely bypass the benefits of a university education: “Weightron Bilanciai have also given me the option to obtain a degree qualification at Sheffield Hallam University whilst working, this would also enable me to have a recognised qualification without the burden of university fees.”

Reece is not the first young person to have the opportunity to kickstart his working life with an apprenticeship in Chesterfield – the first town in the country to declare itself an ‘Apprentice Town’. Meanwhile, Chesterfield’s innovative ‘My Future’ program is allowing learners to engage with local employers, training providers and post-16 education institutions to explore what useful courses, apprenticeships and employment opportunities there are in the town.

Alongside helping young people to develop their careers and education through its apprenticeship scheme, Weightron Bilanciai is also proud to be one of the 190+ organisations from the Chesterfield and North Derbyshire district involved in Chesterfield Champions and play its part in the marketing and economic growth of the town.

Finally, Reece has some advice for others considering their futures after leaving school or college: “I would highly recommend doing an apprenticeship to those who are searching for a job,” he says.

Weightron are always on the look out for the next top talent in the Weighbridge and Industrial Weighing related fields. With vacancies available you simply need to keep your eyes on our latest news or contact us to discuss your future.