Ephraim Barabu
Study Type: School Leaver Vocational
Study Location: The Roundhouse
Subject Studied: Engineering
Doosan apprentice Effy recommends DCG welding course 100%
Leaving home to take up an apprenticeship with a leading power engineering company is working out well for former Derby College level 3 welding student Effy Barabu.
Effy, who is 18 and from Derby, is now a welding apprentice at Doosan Babcock alongside four of his former fellow level 3 students from the College’s Ilkeston site.
He said: “To be taken on as an apprentice, we had to go to Doosan’s welding school in Tipton for trade tests. It was quite stressful – I was up at 5 o’clock in the morning to get there for 8am.
All five of us passed and we’re now on an apprenticeship scheme with Doosan. It’s great. We’re training to be high integrity welders. It’s a skilled job and pays very well.”
His apprenticeship means having to live away from home – but Effy doesn’t mind – the new opportunity has broadened his horizons.
And all five former Ilkeston students were already good friends before they were accepted onto Doosan’s scheme so they’re happy to train and spend time together.
Effy added: “After my apprenticeship, I don’t mind where I go to work. I used to think I wanted to stay near home but that’s changed now. I’d happily go to London or Scotland – or even abroad.
I’d tell people on my old course that you have to work hard and be prepared to make sacrifices, like staying away from home. But I’d say it’s all worth it.
It’s all good. I’d definitely recommend taking an engineering course at Derby College – 100%!”
After my apprenticeship, I don’t mind where I go to work. I used to think I wanted to stay near home but that’s changed now. I’d happily go to London or Scotland – or even abroad. I’d tell people on my old course that you have to work hard and be prepared to make sacrifices, like staying away from home. But I’d say it’s all worth it. It’s all good. I’d definitely recommend taking an engineering course at Derby College – 100%!