Considering a career in the industrial sector or an apprenticeship with Volvo Penta? Learn more about the opportunity and hear Dom's insights from our conversation with him.
Meet the graduated apprentice
Dom is a recently qualified Industrial Level 3 Industrial Apprentice with Volvo Penta at Volspec Ltd. We spoke to Dom about his experience.
Tell us more about your role.
In my role, I provide industrial and technical support to customers nationwide, assisting with any queries and ensuring optimal machine uptime. I’ve also started to take on larger, independent projects, which has helped me grow both professionally and in confidence.
This position has given me the opportunity to travel extensively across the country, working in diverse environments—from tunnels to international sites—while always working under tight time constraints to minimize downtime for customers. My experience in different settings has taught me the importance of adaptability and the ability to respond quickly to varying challenges.
How did you find the college blocks as part of the programme?
I found the college blocks at Reaseheath College to be incredibly valuable. They provided me with essential knowledge about the wide range of machinery I work on. Combined with the hands-on experience gained in the workplace, the college blocks gave me a deeper understanding of the industry early on in the course and helped me grasp the job itself more effectively.
What benefits have you experienced through your apprenticeship?
Through my apprenticeship, I’ve had the opportunity to connect with others who share similar interests or have completed the same course. This has allowed me to make new friends and build a strong network of people who are always willing to help and offer advice when needed. It’s also given me a broader understanding of the job itself.
Working alongside other apprentices has been a great way to establish connections with other dealer locations, which continues to be beneficial both during our college time and now that we’re in the workplace.
I’ve also had the chance to manage customer projects, applying the knowledge and skills I’ve gained throughout my apprenticeship. This has involved working on key accounts, developing retrospective fittings, and improving machinery uptime, all of which have contributed to the growth and success of the business.
Do you have any advice for would-be apprentices in any field?
My advice to anyone interested in an apprenticeship (not just those available with machinery and industrial applications) would be to definitely go for it if it interests you. Completing an apprenticeship in the one I have has helped me stay ahead of industry trends, particularly as the sector moves toward electric and hydrogen-fueled applications, while also providing a strong foundation in existing fuel technologies.
It’s a fantastic way to gain a formal qualification while earning, and you get access to an exclusive training program. The training provided by Volvo Penta UK and Ireland has been extremely beneficial for my development. The instructor-led courses—both remote and in-person—have been invaluable. Additionally, the apprentice-specific training sessions have allowed us to dive deep into the products and engines in a focused, small-group setting, which has been really helpful for my learning.
Tell us a bit about your day-to-day.
Day to day as part of my role it can be anything from technical support for customers to onsite support, planning of attendance to a machine or even design development for upgrades or replacement of engines or components.
During the apprenticeship I have been able to gain skills in diagnostics, learn how to use the Volvo Penta specific tooling.
The apprenticeship has helped prepare me to go out in the field on my own, giving me confidence in my role and ability to talk with the customer so I am able to understand their business needs and if they have any queries, how best to handle them.
How has your mentor and workplace supported you during your apprenticeship?
Working at Volspec, an authorized Volvo Penta dealer, has been a great experience throughout my apprenticeship and as a full-time team member. My mentor has consistently supported me, initially offering hands-on guidance, and later providing remote assistance as my knowledge grew. The team at Volspec and the wider Volvo Penta UK & Ireland network have been incredibly supportive, always sharing their expertise and fostering a collaborative environment.
The workplace invests heavily in apprentices, offering a positive environment for growth. Through the apprenticeship, I’ve built a strong network of peers in similar roles, which continues to be a valuable resource. Now that I’ve completed my apprenticeship, I’m excited to specialize further and continue building on my knowledge, with great support from the Volvo Penta network to help achieve my goals and improve customer service.
Learn more about our current apprenticeship program and the few remaining spaces in our Marine Cohort for April 2025.
