Degree apprentice Thomas Mitchell is already leading and delivering high-risk projects for his employer, the Stone-based digital and technology firm Capula.

Tom joined Capula in 2018 and is currently undertaking a Bachelor of Engineering Degree in Electrical and Electronic Engineering under the Embedded Electronic Systems Design and Development Engineer Degree Apprenticeship Standard at Staffordshire University.

Tom has been highly praised by his employers for consistently exhibiting qualities of an excellent engineer; demonstrating a willingness to progress, learn and develop.

He is respected by all his peers, both in the department and the wider team, to lead and deliver high-risk projects, most notably for an Intrusion Detection System for a critical infrastructure customer.

Colleagues say Tom is a pleasure to work with and that he is an ideal candidate to be nominated for Apprentice of the Year at the Staffordshire University Business Awards.
Working within the Energy department, Tom has recently undertaken a more primary role within the team for an Intrusion Detection System preparation project, completing design drawings as well as writing site safety documents for installations.

Tom has led multiple critical projects for the cyber security aspects of Substation Control Systems projects, driving them forward to completion, whilst mentoring new starters.

He takes considerable pride in the teaching of the project process from start to finish, ensuring members of the team can become self-sufficient when producing drawings and documents. This reinforces Tom’s commitment to delivering the best results for the business.

Commenting on Tom’s nomination, Tony Birks, Capula Operations Manager, said: “Tom routinely demonstrates the behaviours needed to ensure we deliver the best results for our customers, he has an exceptional work ethic, making him a valuable and relied upon member of our team.”

Sean Ryder, Capula Site Manager, commented in a recent witness report relating to a project Tom completed for a Substation Site Install: “Thomas has successfully led the installation and assisted commissioning of the Intrusion Detection System at a critical national infrastructures customer’s site.

“Thomas carried out his work in a professional manner and communicated extremely well with the client. Thomas’ understanding of IDS was very clear, and his confidence was evident throughout the works. Thomas ensured Capula completed a high-quality installation and was involved with the commissioning of the system.

“Thomas was health and safety conscience, and the quality of his work was once again impeccable. He has grown exponentially over the last 12 months and has taken a leading role in the IDS team. I believe the next move for Tom is commissioning an IDS project with minimal input from the Commissioning Engineers.”