An 18-year-old intern joined the team of a growing bolting specialists to learn about how the offshore world works.
Sixth-former, Owen Napthine, spent six weeks with Gee-Force Hydraulics at its Great Yarmouth base as part of the East Coast Energy Internship programme. Owen, who took A levels in chemistry and maths this summer and will BTEC level 3 in engineering and A level geology at East Norfolk sixth form College next year, worked alongside apprentice Kyle Jerome and other staff getting equipment ready for hire and sale.
East Coast Energy Internship intern Owen Napthine working alongside apprentice Kyle Jerome at Gee-Force Hydraulics, Great Yarmouth. Gee-Force Managing Director Graeme Cook set him a challenge of changing the layout of the premises to maximise storage space for expansion and more equipment.
“This is our busiest time of year so Owen has a full picture of how we work. Kyle, our apprentice, came on two weeks’ work experience and then started an apprenticeship. We like to be able to give opportunities for young people to see what the industry is like, help shape their ambitions.”
Owen, who hopes for an apprenticeship or go straight into the workforce after finishing college next year, spent three days a week for six weeks at the Beacon Park company, which is the East of England Energy Group’s (EEEGR) Member of the Year.
“I helped with everything in the workshop. I knew nothing about any of it until I came here but I have been helping to get orders in and helping with repairs, pressure testing and calibration. Now I know how to tighten nuts and use a flange spreader. I was thinking of going into offshore engineering but I am rethinking that plan now after my time here.”
The East Coast Energy Internship was established in 2016 by The Royal Academy of Engineering, The Ogden Trust and Suffolk County Council in association with Waveney District Council. The scheme has grown to encompass other regions including Norfolk. Plugging the gap between work experience and apprenticeships, the internship scheme is fully funded by the Ogden Trust and provides the students with a real and meaningful placement that utilises and enhances their STEM skills in a business environment.
