Engineering Apprentice, Leo Delaney, is showcasing Newbury College’s “careers not courses” ethos on an international stage after helping to build and install specialist engineering machinery for Curtiss-Wright Surface Technologies (CWST) in Sweden.
Curtiss-Wright Surface Technologies are recognised as a Platinum Skills Partner of Newbury College for continuously supporting the development of students and aligning to the College mission of creating opportunities to transform lives.
Leo, who is employed as an apprentice, joined the company in February 2023 on work experience before securing a full apprenticeship that September. Since then, he has been developing a wide range of practical engineering skills, from fabrication and welding to machining, working from assembly drawings and putting together complex machinery used around the world. Leo is embedding these skills and knowledge to achieve academic recognition as part of his apprenticeship with Newbury College.
CWST provides metal surface treatment solutions that help critical components last longer and perform better in industries such as aerospace, automotive, energy and general engineering. At its Thatcham Engineering Unit, the team designs and builds specialist shot peening machines, which use tiny metal beads fired at a surface to strengthen components and protect them from cracking or fatigue.
As part of his apprenticeship, Leo has played a key role in building one of CWST’s specialist shot peening machines, taking part in the mechanical production from fabricating the main cabinet to assembling and testing the finished equipment. He then supported the careful dismantling, packing and shipment of the machine to CWST’s facility in Arboga, Sweden, where he travelled with his mentor to help reinstall and recommission it on site – a significant international project so early in his career.
Production Manager and Apprentice Mentor, Stefan Sawczuk, said:
“Leo has been involved from fabrication through to final assembly, testing, shipping and reinstallation. To contribute to a full machine build, then support a customer installation in Sweden, at this stage of his apprenticeship, is a fantastic achievement and shows the level of responsibility he has earned.”
Liam Faughnan, Head of Faculty - Apprenticeships, Newbury College, said:
“Leo’s journey from work experience student to trusted member of an international engineering project team shows exactly what apprenticeships can offer.
“By combining classroom learning with real responsibilities in the workplace, apprentices like Leo gain the confidence, skills and experience they need to excel in their careers.”
Apprentices at Newbury College gain access to industry-standard equipment, experienced mentors and real projects that have an impact far beyond the local area, while employers benefit from motivated new talent who are trained around their specific needs.
Newbury College and University Centre Newbury (UCN) offer a range of engineering and apprenticeship pathways that enable people to train locally, gain recognised qualifications and progress into skilled roles.
Visit https://newbury-college.ac.uk/apprenticeships to find out more.