When Noah began exploring his next steps after school, he knew he wanted a pathway that combined practical experience with the opportunity to gain recognised qualifications.
University wasn’t the right fit for him – he wanted to get hands-on, learn from experienced professionals, and build real-world skills that would prepare him for a long-term career. That’s when he discovered the Level 2 CNC Operative Engineering Apprenticeship at Bradford College, delivered in partnership with AESSEAL, a global leader in mechanical seal design and manufacturing.
Learning by Doing
Before starting his apprenticeship, Noah had little knowledge of CNC machining.
“I had no idea about CNC or machining—what it was or how to do it,” he says. “Now I can. That’s what I’m proud of: being able to do something I couldn’t do before.”
This transformation is the result of the apprenticeship’s blended approach—combining technical training at Bradford College with direct experience on AESSEAL’s manufacturing shopfloor. Apprentices like Noah work alongside highly skilled engineers, learning not just the theory, but how to apply it in a fast‑paced, real industrial environment.
Support from Bradford College
Throughout his apprenticeship, Bradford College has played a central role in Noah’s development.
“College has taught me a lot—from classroom coursework to hands-on workshop sessions. My tutor has really supported me,” he explains.
The structured training ensures apprentices build a strong foundation of engineering knowledge while gaining the confidence to operate complex CNC machinery safely and effectively.
Working with a Global Engineering Leader
AESSEAL operates 69 businesses from 108 locations, supplying reliability‑focused sealing solutions to customers in more than 100 countries. Its Bradford manufacturing facility plays a key role in this global operation, producing precision components that support customers across industries.
For Noah, joining such a respected engineering organisation has been motivating:
“I always try my best when I come into work. I try to get as much done as I can, in the best way I can. Hopefully I’m becoming a valuable member of the team.”
Working alongside experienced engineers has also helped him grow personally and professionally.
“Confidence is a big one,” he reflects. “You’re learning from people who’ve actually been doing the job for years—not just teaching the theory but showing you how it works in the real world.”
Career Ambitions and the Future
Noah is enthusiastic about the future and hopes to specialise further within CNC machining.
“It’s something I enjoy and something I’m interested in. I want to get as far as I can within CNC machinery.”
With a strong foundation built through his apprenticeship and on-the-job experience at AESSEAL, Noah is well‑positioned for a rewarding engineering career.
A Clear Recommendation
When asked whether he’d recommend an apprenticeship at Bradford College, his answer is immediate:
“Yeah, 100%. Bradford College has been really supportive, and the apprenticeship has helped me progress so much.”