Why did you choose engineering as a career?
My name is Lidia, I’m 26 years old, and my journey into engineering began when I was a young child, helping my dad with various tasks around the house. I always enjoyed hands-on work, especially when we built or fixed things together it gave me a real sense of accomplishment. Later, I decided to leave Romania in search of better opportunities and a clearer path toward a fulfilling career.

At first, I began an apprenticeship as a midwife nurse, but I soon realised that emotionally, it wasn’t the right fit for me. I took a break and started working at Amazon, where I stayed for several years. During that time, I was promoted to Team Leader at the BHX10 site. In that role, I frequently worked alongside engineers who maintained and repaired our equipment. I was fascinated by the way they approached complex problems with such skill and precision. This experience inspired me to explore engineering as a career path.

I applied for Amazon’s in-house engineering apprenticeship, but unfortunately, I wasn’t accepted due to my English GCSE not being recognised, as I had completed it in Romania. Still, I didn’t want to give up. I began looking for other opportunities and discovered MGTS through my partner, who had previously studied there. After visiting the Training Centre, I was impressed and knew it was the right direction for me. I just needed to find a company that would take me on as an apprentice. That’s when I discovered Ardagh Metal Packaging who work in partnership with MGTS. After a successful interview, they offered me an apprenticeship role because they saw potential in me, and I’m proud to be part of the team today.

How have you found your apprenticeship training so far?
The training has been very valuable. The instructors at MGTS are extremely supportive and guide us well throughout our learning journey. They make sure we’re on the right path and explain everything clearly and practically.

What is your role and what does it involve?
I’m a second-year multi-skilled engineering apprentice, currently specialising in the electrical department. Over the past seven months, my responsibilities have included fault-finding during machine breakdowns, replacing motors, wiring sensors and assisting with the upgrade of electrical systems across the site. I also work with ladder logic and contribute to the design of HMI screens to support site operations. The experienced engineers I work alongside are always willing to explain complex tasks and help strengthen our understanding in areas where we need further development.

Have you overcome any challenges?
Yes, I face challenges almost every day. As an apprentice in the electrical department, I’m constantly learning while keeping up with the fast-paced environment. Machines can fail at any time, and we need to respond quickly. It’s a challenge to both learn and contribute at the same time, especially during breakdowns but these situations have helped me grow faster and gain real, hands-on experience.

Any highlights you would like to share?
One of the main highlights of my apprenticeship so far has been the opportunity to apply what I’ve learned in real working situations. Being trusted to work alongside experienced engineers on live faults has helped me build confidence and feel like a valued part of the team. A moment that stands out was when I helped diagnose and fix a breakdown under time pressure and my contribution was recognised by the team; it really boosted my confidence.

Another highlight has been the variety of tasks I’ve been involved in from replacing motors to designing HMI screens. Each job has helped me expand my skills and grow both technically and personally. Most importantly, I’ve felt genuinely supported by my mentors and colleagues, which has made a big difference in my development. I also really appreciate the welcoming environment at Ardagh it’s motivated me to keep pushing forward.

What are you looking forward to about your future career?
I’m looking forward to a bright future in engineering. I feel supported by my company and proud to be part of a team where I’m constantly learning and improving. In the future, I hope to continue developing my skills and eventually take on more responsibility, supporting new apprentices the same way I was supported at the beginning of my journey.

If you are inspired by Lidia’s career in engineering then take a look at our latest apprenticeship vacancies.