Mentorship at HYDAC Technology
At HYDAC we value our apprentices growth and development and part of this is our mentoring system.
Insights into the Mentorship ExperienceAn Interview with a Service Department Apprentice and his Mentor at HYDAC Technology
At HYDAC Technology, we believe in the power of mentorship to help our apprentices grow and develop their skills.We interviewed Matt and Harry who are part of the service department about their experiences of the mentoring system at HYDAC.
At HYDAC we believe mentoring is crucial for an apprentice's personal and professional growth. A mentor can provide guidance, advice and support as the apprentice navigates their career. A mentor can provide a valuable perspective on the industry and offer insight into the future of the field. We interviewed Harry a Service Apprentice as well as his mentor Matt, who is a Service Engineer and previous HYDAC apprentice himself.
What has your experience been like of the mentorship system at HYDAC Technology?
Harry (Apprentice): It is very good. Matt, who was once an apprentice himself and is now mentoring me, has a wealth of experience that he is passing down to me. He always knows the answers to my queries and questions, which is extremely beneficial.
Matt (Mentor): I believe the only difference from when I was an apprentice is that the structure of the apprenticeship program has now changed. However, at HYDAC itself, the environment for apprentices to learn in remains very welcoming and supportive.
Matt, how did you find the transition between being an apprentice and now being a mentor?
After completing my apprenticeship and getting all the necessary signatures, transitioning to a Service Engineer role felt very natural. Becoming a mentor was just another responsibility that I took on board, and I enjoy imparting my knowledge and helping others.
What do you think are the most important characteristics to have as a mentor?
Matt: To be an effective mentor, you need to be open to people coming to you with questions and concerns. It's important to be welcoming and friendly, in order to create a comfortable environment for your mentee.
How have you adapted to being an apprentice Harry?
Initially, I was quite nervous as I didn't know Matt or anyone else in the team very well. However, I quickly became part of the team and it became easy to approach Matt with questions without feeling awkward. As a former apprentice himself, he knows what he's doing and always provides helpful answers.
Having someone like Steffan Grieve in your team who is not only the Service Manager but also a former apprentice and mentor to many at HYDAC, do you find it beneficial?
Harry: Indeed, he taught Matt everything he knows about the role and the department. His knowledge and expertise are invaluable, and in the rare event that Matt is unable to answer my question, he is always very willing to help and pass on his knowledge. He truly knows everything there is to know about HYDAC.
What is the best piece of advice your mentor has given you?
Harry: The transition from school to my apprenticeship was a significant one for me, and it helped me develop my social skills. Previously, I was nervous about talking to adults, let alone customers. However, with the help of my mentor, who encouraged me to throw myself into the job, I now feel much more confident in engaging with customers.
Being thrown in at the deep end definitely helped me adjust to the transition, and I don't think I would be able to do what I am doing now without that experience. Matt's ability to take me out of my comfort zone has been instrumental in helping me grow.
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