For many people, the appeal of engineering lies in its practical nature, the ability to build, repair and improve things whilst seeing tangible results from hard work. For one Evotech colleague, this hands-on approach was the driving force behind choosing an apprenticeship as the starting point for a successful engineering career.

From an early stage, it was clear that a practical route into work was the right choice for Mike Fee, Service Manager at SR Black. An apprenticeship in engineering offered him the opportunity to learn on the job whilst gaining recognised qualifications, making it an ideal pathway into the industry. Mike’s apprenticeship began in 2010 at Hull College, where he completed a Level 1 Plumbing qualification before moving onto Level 2. In 2011, this learning was complemented by employment with SR Black, part of the Evotech Group, marking the start of a long-term career in building services engineering.

Mike’s college experience was a positive one, with a strong sense of teamwork and shared motivation amongst students who were all committed to completing the course. Alongside technical learning, lasting friendships were formed, reinforcing the supportive environment that apprenticeships can provide during early career development. Mike competed in the National Apprentice Plumber of the Year Award two years running, winning in 2014, an accolade that further boosted his confidence and cemented his career choice.

Following the completion of his apprenticeship, practical experience continued to grow rapidly at SR Black with Mike’s first job installing underfloor heating at a new-build dog kennel at Bishop Burton College which Mike remembers as a memorable introduction to real-world projects. As confidence and experience increased, greater responsibility followed and he was soon trusted to complete minor plumbing works independently. Progression soon led to more complex projects and a broader range of client work, all the while being supported by more experienced engineers who provided guidance, shared their knowledge, and helped build confidence through hands-on mentoring. 

Over the course of 14 years with SR Black, Mike’s career developed through a series of roles that reflect both technical growth and professional progression. From his initial apprenticeship he was promoted several times to Plumbing Technician, Domestic Gas Engineer, Commercial Gas Engineer, Commercial Gas and Oil Engineer, and ultimately his current role as Service Manager. Each role built on the foundations laid during his apprenticeship, demonstrating how vocational training can open the door to long-term advancement and leadership opportunities.

Reflecting on his journey, the value of apprenticeships is clear. They provide access to a wide range of career pathways and allow individuals to grow their skills whilst earning and gaining real responsibility. And that impact can extend beyond one career, inspiring others and mentoring new apprentices and junior engineers.

As National Apprenticeships Week celebrates the importance of vocational learning, this career journey highlights how apprenticeships continue to play a vital role in developing skilled engineers, supporting progression, and building strong futures within the Mechanical and Electrical engineering (M&E) industry.