VOL 87 | FEB 2026
Our People, Our Strength
Meet the Apprentice: Thomas Inglis Q&A
What has surprised you most about doing an apprenticeship? This is integrated with other courses at the university, where I attend classes alongside software engineering and computer science students, including both other apprenticeship students and full-time students. What advice would you give to someone considering an apprenticeship in engineering or data science? I would advise anyone considering an apprenticeship to take the leap. Yes, it will be challenging, but it is incredibly rewarding, and the experiences you gain from a course tailored for people in a working environment make it more than worth it. I would also add that Chess will be there to support you every step of the way. What does “Skills for Life” mean to you? I have a strong belief that we should all strive to learn new things and continually develop ourselves. To me, “skills for life” are the skills that help you grow and keep evolving personally and professionally. Tom’s story is a great example of how
For National Apprentice Week 2026, we’re shining a spotlight on Skills for Life through the journey of our apprentice, Tom Inglis. Tom is combining hands-on experience as a Test Engineer with a Level 6 Data Scientist (Integrated Degree) apprenticeship, gaining both technical expertise and lifelong skills along the way. In this Q&A, he shares how the apprenticeship is helping him grow, tackle challenges, and shape his career for the future. Why did you choose an apprenticeship at Chess Dynamics? I have worked in engineering for a number of years and have developed skills across electrical and mechanical systems, as well as the software they use, but I have never had any formal training. One of my fellow test engineers is currently completing a mechanical engineering HND, and my manager, Jamie Sanderson, is very supportive of the growth and development of his team. This encouraged me to look into courses that would help me progress within the test team. What does your role as a Test Engineer involve? My role as a test engineer involves working with test systems that require mechanical, electrical, and software testing, as well as fault-finding any issues identified on a system, whether they are mechanical, electrical, or software related. How does the Data Scientist Level 6 apprenticeship fit with your role? The data scientist apprenticeship will allow me to gain a better understanding of the software and GUIs we use, helping both me and the test team to more effectively test systems and understand any failures that may occur during testing and FAT procedures. It will also enable closer collaboration with the software team to achieve quicker resolutions to issues and would allow us to develop our own test GUIs if required.
apprenticeships at Chess Dynamics can open doors, build confidence, and equip you with the skills to succeed, both in your career and in life. Our supportive environment ensures apprentices have the guidance and opportunities they need to grow every step of the way.
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