It’s the last day of National Apprenticeship Week 2019 and we’d like to take this opportunity to shine a light on our wonderful Electrical Apprentices, Greg and Harry.
We interviewed both apprentices to find out their thoughts on how it is being an apprentice for the Remark Group.
Greg
Who or what inspired you to become an apprentice?
My Dad inspired me to become an electrical apprentice as he was an electrician himself.
What was the biggest factor in making you decide to do an apprenticeship?
I’ve always wanted to be an electrician so being able to gain onsite experience which is required to pass the electrical qualification and become a fully qualified electrician appealed to me.
Describe a typical day in the office.
First, we load up the materials and everything we need for the job in the van, we drive to the site and scope the job out. Then, if it’s required, we will install containment and then install cables. Once everything is installed, we will test cables and equipment to ensure the job is complete and up to a high standard.
What do you enjoy most about your role, and why?
My favourite part about the role is installing and terminating large armoured cables.
How do you think an apprenticeship has improved or opened up your career options?
It has given me the experience I need to become a fully qualified electrician and has given me a huge amount of experience that I wouldn’t have had at university.
What advice would you give to other people considering an apprenticeship as a route?
Go for it – It is the best way to gain real world experience in the area that you want to progress in.
Harry
Who or what inspired you to become an Apprentice?
I have always been attracted to the idea of learning whilst on the job, I consider myself to be a visual learner and I think it is great to work alongside professionals who have a wealth of experience and knowledge, an Apprenticeship was an alternative for me instead of university, I see it as an opportunity to get some real world experience on site something which I would have never of gotten from a classroom environment.
What was the biggest factor in making you decide to do an Apprenticeship?
I left school not knowing exactly what I wanted from a career, after a few years of trying different things I took the plunge into enrolling myself at college for a full-time level 2 electrical course, I have to say after the first week I was hooked. I found great satisfaction in all that I did, from the theory side of calculations and science to the practical hands on installation work, I knew after my fulltime course the Apprenticeship route was the stepping stone I needed to become a fully qualified electrician.
Describe a typical day in the office
I believe that one of the greatest perks is that there isn’t a typical day in the office! The environment is always changing and adapting with new challenges to face with every job that we do, the role is face pace and you are always learning new things, the whole profession is constantly adapting with new products or regulations and guidelines to follow.
What do you enjoy most about your role and why?
I enjoy learning from other people, everybody has a different way of doing certain things and to work alongside professionals who have their own tips and tricks that give them an edge is a real engaging way of learning to work with different people and find “my own way” of working and seeing my progression since when I first started is very rewarding, constant challenges to overcome with every job always has you on your toes in a face pace environment.
How do you think an apprenticeship has improved or opened up your career options?
An Apprenticeship has opened so many doors for me, the possibilities are really endless as the electrical field is so vast, it gives you the building bricks to take you anywhere within the industry you can continue your studies to degree level and explore a HNC which will take you more into design and drawings. The possibilities are endless. Even once qualified you are still learning and adapting to new environments.
What advice would you give to people considering an Apprenticeship?
Do it! It is never too late to start something new, the support network is great as you have the work place and college to work alongside you and help build your skill set. Learning on the job in my opinion is the best and most rewarding way to learn. The aspect of gaining on site experience is invaluable and not something that can be taught in a classroom. If you enjoy a face pace environment with exciting challenges an Apprenticeship is for you.
Our electrical director comments:
“Often an apprentice will have to learn and explore a range of new people skills, problem solving skills and technical skills that other people don’t have. They have to learn to set their own boundaries and how to become self-sufficient and responsible. More importantly, they get to learn this their own way, through real life experience.
Imagine if people in your organisation could be moulded to suit it perfectly, whilst at the same time be able to bring more to the table and drive it forward, and then, later on, help mould more people in the same way…
There are dozens of other reasons why apprenticeships are important and beneficial, but the main point I want to drive home is that they are wholly good and worthwhile. To every person out there who has supported an apprentice, I want to say “Thank you!” And to every apprentice out there I want to say “Keep up the good work!”
