ACE Lifts

ACE Lifts employed Ben Hamblett from Wrexham as an Electrical and Electronic Engineering Apprentice. The 28-year-old is deaf and was fearful that this would prevent him from working in the engineering industry.

Andy Gill, Workshop Manager at ACE Lifts says: “We employed Ben as an apprentice with us, working in a small team wiring lift component units. 

Ben has a HNC in Engineering but struggled to get into employment for five years because he is deaf. As a result of this, he suffers from low confidence and anxiety. 

He was initially anxious about sending in applications as he felt that some companies could have misconceptions about deaf people being a health and safety risk in the workplace. However, we mentioned a Level 3 Electrical and Electronic Engineering Apprenticeship and offered him a two-day work trial. 

Ben was one of eight individuals who came in for a work trial for the apprenticeship opportunity and he instantly made an impression. We offered Ben the role and his hearing loss has not been a problem at all. When he first started, he shared his tips for communicating effectively with the team and we haven’t needed to discuss it since.

Ben is hoping to show other disabled people that an apprenticeship could be the turning point for those looking to get into employment. He is learning new skills every day and has gained an understanding of how lift equipment and components work. He seems much more positive about the future now.”