As part of National Apprenticeship Week 2021, we spoke to one of our CISBOT apprentices, Lewis Greenan, to find out about his experience at ULC so far. Lewis is one of ULC’s five apprentices from Middlesbrough College, working across our UK CISBOT sites to gain hands-on mentoring from our experienced robotic engineers.
What’s a typical day like as a CISBOT Apprentice?
“The first thing we do when we get to site on the eco-cabin is to hook up the tether to the back of the robot and run it through a bench test, making sure it’s functioning properly before we launch it in the gas main. After checking everything is operating fine, I help to launch CISBOT in the gas main for operations to start. When CISBOT’s safely in the gas main, the operatives on site begin looking or sealing joints. Meanwhile, I carry out any maintenance that’s required in the eco-cabin or on spare equipment in advance of our next launch. Once the operations are coming to an end, I help to remove CISBOT from the gas main before cleaning the robot ahead of the operations the following day. After this is completed, we shut down the site and lock up, heading home before another day of work. My apprenticeship at ULC also involves doing remote learning one day a week with Middlesbrough College where I’m studying for a HNC in Mechatronics.”
What’s been the most rewarding part of your apprenticeship so far?
“Since joining ULC, I’ve enjoyed getting involved in new opportunities across the company as well as learning about the other technologies we have. I’ve had the chance to take part in the training of one of our R&D projects, and will be taking part in the field trials this year. This will involve travelling to Scotland for two weeks, being out in the field and delivering insights for ULC’s clients.”
How did you find being classed as a key worker during the COVID-19 pandemic?
“Working during COVID-19 was a unique situation. I was grateful that I was able to continue working and learning safely while carrying out work to help customers stay connected to gas supplies.”
What advice can you offer those seeking apprenticeships?
“Make sure you take up every opportunity that is presented to you. This will broaden your learning and maximise the chances of finding a great apprenticeship.”
