Following an extensive search for the right opportunity in 2021, Ben Behai discovered his path into engineering through a lifting engineer apprenticeship with Sunbelt Rentals Limited in Warrington. Successfully qualifying in May 2024 from the Lifting Equipment Technician Level 3, he also received the HAE Young Apprentice of the Year 2024 award along the way. He tells us about his typical day and his apprenticeship journey.
What drew you to pursue an apprenticeship, and how did you find out about it?
I think what grabbed my attention of this apprenticeship was the uniqueness of it. I had been searching for apprenticeships for a few months and was unsure of what career I wanted to pursue. I just knew I wanted a job where I could do something different every day and was constantly learning. That’s when I came across the job advert on Apprenticeships.scot and after reading the job description I decided to apply.
What does your typical day involve? What kind of responsibilities and tasks do you have?
I have a very hybrid role where I’m never doing the same thing every day. The type of tasks I complete when I am in the depot are carrying out repairs on our own hire fleet or customers equipment. I enjoy carrying out repairs as there’s always a new challenge meaning I always have to figure out a different way to resolve the problem for our customers. Whereas, the type of tasks I carry out on site are examinations and testing, equally I enjoy these as it involves thinking outside the box and using all your knowledge to your ability.
What has been the most challenging aspect of your apprenticeship been so far, and how did you overcome it?
The most challenging aspect of my apprenticeship for me would be having to be able to organise all the tasks you are given and prioritise the order in which I will do them. To overcome this, I started using a daily planner so that no tasks are missed, and I can always go back and see when I completed each task.
How are you finding the combination of practical work experience and classroom learning?
The combination of theoretical knowledge and practical learning has really helped me through my apprenticeship. In the classroom, we learn about the equipment and solutions that lay the foundation of my understand and then when I go into the workshop to complete the task, everything starts to make sense. The technical aspects that were covered come to life, making it the best way to learn.
What support have you received from your employer through your journey? Do you have a mentor for example?
Since my first day here at Sunbelt Rentals, the support has been exceptional. Everyone in the depot has gone above and beyond to support me and made it known if I was ever struggling with my workload, I could ask anyone for help, from that point I knew I was being welcomed into a sensational team. The support I received from the business continued throughout my apprenticeship everyone constantly helping me achieve my targets and getting me to the level I needed to be at and more.
Can you tell us about a project or achievement during the apprenticeship that you’re particularly proud of?
There have been numerous achievements that I am personally proud of throughout my apprenticeship. I would say my proudest moment came when I was awarded HAE Young Apprentice of the Year 2024 award. This moment really stands out to me as it never crossed my mind that I would be nominated for any awards, let alone to win one. It was a massive achievement to me as it showed all the hard work and determination, I had put into my apprenticeship was recognised by others which is always a thrilling feeling.
How did you find the end point assessment process? What resources have been most helpful?
The end-point assessment was a challenging target as it reflects back on everything I had learned throughout my apprenticeship – both theory and practical. I had a lot of resources on the lead up to my end-point assessment and the most useful ones I found helped me with revising was the LEEA ACOP as well as speaking to people with experience in the role. Overall, I found the end point assessment as a great way to test your knowledge and a way to boost your confidence in your role.
What skills or qualities would say are essential for someone considering a lifting Engineer apprenticeship?
I think there are a lot of skills and qualities you need to have, some of the most important ones are having a positive attitude towards learning as, in my opinion, that’s really what an apprenticeship is all about. Another skill which you need is patience as there is a lot of tasks you will carry out and not get correct the first time. Therefore, having good patience will stop you from getting frustrated when you have to carry out the same task two or three times before you can fully understand what you are doing.
How do you see your career progressing after your apprenticeship?
After my apprenticeship, I see my career progressing by taking on more responsibilities and exploring advanced roles within the industry. I plan to leverage the skills and knowledge I’ve gained during my apprenticeship to contribute effectively to my team and company. Ultimately, I envision growing into a leadership position where hopefully one day I can mentor another apprentice and pass my knowledge on to help them.
What advice would you give someone who’s interested in starting an apprenticeship in the industry?
My advice to someone who is interested in starting in the lifting industry is to take a leap of faith and go for it. It is one of those types of careers you may not consider when leaving school or college, as it isn’t your everyday job. However, it is an ideal career for someone seeking something different, where no two days are the same, and there are many different aspects to the job, allowing you to continuously learn and grow.
Interested in an apprenticeship? Take a look at the Lift Careers site for details on companies hiring apprentices.
