“I remember the first time Ryan arrived at our Saltholme site,” recalls Lewis Oliver, one of our Field Service Engineers and Ryan’s mentor. “He was quiet and reserved, but by the end of his placement, he had grown in confidence and become one of the team.”
Spending one day a week on-site alongside his college studies, Ryan quickly became involved in all aspects of our operations—from maintenance to admin and safety training.
“We wanted him to see the full picture,” says Lewis. “So he shadowed our electrical and instrumentation teams, worked on exhaust cowlings, learned scaffolding safety, and even trained in data analysis for proactive maintenance.”
Ryan reflects: “I wasn’t just observing—I was involved. Fixing faults, learning the systems, and helping install alarms and CCTV at Creyke Beck. I even saw inside some battery containers. It gave me a real feel for the job.
Jade Kelly, Work Placement Coordinator at Middlesbrough College: “Lewis and the team were real mentors and teachers—always making time to answer his questions and teach him new skills. Nothing was too much trouble.”
Michelle Dorsi, Work Experience and T-Level Industry Placement Coordinator at Middlesbrough College, believes the impact of industry placements goes beyond acquiring skills: “These experiences give the younger generation, especially the lads, a positive role model. They learn it’s OK to ask for help—at work or in life.”
Jade agrees: “Lewis was more than a mentor—he supported Ryan in and out of the job. That honesty and openness made a big difference.”
Lewis sums it up best: “Passing on real-world knowledge to someone like Ryan is incredibly rewarding. It’s what my mentors did for me when I was a trainee marine engineer—and now, I get to do the same.”
Reflecting on his experience, Ryan says, “I’m proud to have got this placement. It’s been a great place to work, full of decent people. From day one, I felt welcomed—and I’ve learned so much.”
His advice for other students? “Take the opportunity, even if it’s not exactly what you imagined. Show you’re ready for a challenge. Work hard, stay committed—it all counts when it’s time to land your first job.”
Ryan’s attitude left a mark. “Mentoring Ryan was a genuinely rewarding experience,” says Lewis. “He’s curious, committed, and sharp—and he’s absolutely on the right track to becoming an excellent engineer.”
Ryan’s placement wrapped up just in time for his exams. Michelle remembers him walking out of the exam hall: “He told me the knowledge from his placement had helped him answer several questions. He wasn’t cocky—just confident. It’s been great watching him mature into a young man who knows where he’s headed.”
She adds: “We don’t just match students to placements—we match them to the right people and environments. It’s about more than ticking boxes. A successful placement should inspire and challenge. It should build confidence and direction.”
Ryan Allen (second from left) with his tutors, Bradley Seaman and Andrew Allen—alongside Michel Dorsi and Jade Kelly, his work placement coordinators
Jade agrees: “A great placement isn’t just about gaining skills—it’s about forming relationships, building trust, and shaping a future. When done right, a T-Level becomes more than a qualification—it becomes a turning point.”
Ryan is clear on his next step: “I’d love to do a Level 4 apprenticeship at Statera—or another O&M company if that’s not possible. This is the kind of work I want to do.”
Michelle concludes: “Preparing the next generation of engineers is a privilege. We’re not just organising placements—we’re building futures, one connection at a time.”
Lewis offers a final thought to students starting their journey: “Take every opportunity. Ask questions. Learn from your mentor. And be honest with yourself about what you want. If you find your path, give it everything. That’s how careers begin.”
To learn more about industry placement opportunities like Ryans, visit https://www.mbro.ac.uk
