Heathrow Shared Apprenticeship Scheme: Heathrow Engineering Academy
Our case study series will shine a spotlight on some of the Apprentices currently working through their placements on the Heathrow Shared Apprenticeship Scheme. The Scheme brings together Heathrow’s major construction companies and offers Apprentices the opportunity to work across several disciplines on a range of exciting Heathrow projects and gain nationally recognised qualifications at the same time.
Tanmai Penukonda, Business Administration Apprentice, Hosted by Heathrow Engineering
Meet Tanmai
Tanmai’s Apprenticeship
Tanmai started her apprenticeship at Heathrow with Ferrovial, working on projects across the terminals. This was until the COVID-19 pandemic hit, and as a result Tanmai lost her placement. Since November 2020, Tanmai has been working for Heathrow’s Engineering Academy, covering a wide variety of work such as organising staff training, managing internal company communication, building templates, organising and archiving files and registers, conducting assessments, reviewing drawings and all general admin. Tanmai is pleased that she has been exposed to different and complex areas of the role throughout her apprenticeship. “Everything is positive to be honest, I liked the culture and office environment, all colleagues I worked with at both companies were helpful and patient in teaching me as it was my first job.”
Tanmai’s vocational qualifications were delivered by Babington, where she completed the NVQ Level 3 Business Administration Apprenticeship. Where she learnt all aspects of administration work and how a business operates, specifically in construction and aviation. She will be able to apply this in her new role at IBM, while also setting up her future development in the career path she chooses. Tanmai advises future Apprentices that “Go for it because unless you take a chance you will not realise the real world and what it has to offer. I had an excellent tutor and she helped me with all the units and projects.”.
Tanmai’s host employer: Heathrow Engineering
Heathrow Engineering academy help support all aspects and engineering needs at Heathrow Airport. Their work never ceased operation during 2020 and despite all the challenges posed in the last year, they have been outstanding in helping accommodate Tanmai’s apprenticeship. Tanmai’s line manager had the below to say about her progress since joining their team:
“Tanmai has been a great apprentice throughout her time with us in the Engineering team. It’s an extreme pleasure working with her. She was always proactive and an excellent team member. I’m so happy to see her grow and excel every step of the way and I wish her all the best with her new role!” – Sylvia Pinto
What’s next for Tanmai?
Tanmai continues to enjoy her career in the business environment after recently starting a role at IBM.
