Michelle Grandon, 23, is set to complete her Advanced Apprenticeship in Telecomms Engineering at BT-Openreach this summer, where she combines her engineering role with coaching other apprentices on her team.
Her role involves working in the field and installing and repairing ICT equipment. Due to the diverse training the Advanced Apprenticeship brings, Michelle now has the ability to see a job through from start to finish, which previously would have required three different types of engineer. This benefits Openreach and its customers with faster repair and provision times. Over the last year, Michelle has also taken on the additional responsibility of becoming the training and development coach for the North West.
Michelle is passionate about her job and her Apprenticeship. ‘The diverse training that I have received during my Apprenticeship has enabled me to become a multi-skilled engineer. I am also a qualified NVQ assessor, personally responsible for five candidates. I love this part of the role as I can relate to them, and like to think I provide them with valuable support and advice.’
BT is keen to recruit more women in to engineering and Michelle hopes to become a positive role model and help make this happen.
Pete Leonard, line manager BT-Openreach, is delighted with Michelle’s progress and says: ‘Michelle is a valuable asset to the team and has really embraced her Apprenticeship. She is a personable and enthusiastic individual, and I have received numerous cases of positive feedback from customers about Michelle’s work.’
John Bates, training provider, Accenture says: ‘Michelle’s confidence has improved immensely through her Advanced Apprenticeship and we are very proud of all she has achieved. She is a determined young woman that looks set to go far in the sector.’
Michelle continues: ‘I was recently selected to take part in Challenge Africa which was fantastic as I had the opportunity to help disadvantaged youngsters in Kenya whilst simultaneously gaining additional life skills that will no doubt benefit my future.’
This January, Michelle was Highly Commended for the Dyson Young Woman Engineering Apprentice of the Year Award 2006.
Michelle Grandon is a finalist in the Advanced Apprentice of the Year category at the national Apprenticeship Awards 2007.
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