National Apprenticeship Week brings together everyone passionate about apprenticeships to celebrate the value, benefit and opportunity that they bring.
To mark the week, we’re highlighting the achievements of former trainees who are now enjoying rewarding careers as fully qualified tradespeople thanks to our ongoing apprenticeship programme.
Having joined us at the age of 18, after studying at NSCG Stafford College, Connor is the latest to complete a trades apprenticeship within our organisation.
The 21-year-old says the support he’s received from colleagues has been a huge help on his journey to becoming a qualified electrician.
On the successful completion of his final assessments, he said: “Throughout the apprenticeship I’ve learnt a lot from the people around me. There’s nothing better than learning ‘on site’ from real professionals who have many years of experience between them.
“It’s also great to work with other trades on larger projects, and now I feel confident to take on more responsibility, and really enjoy the variety of work we are involved in – from testing electrical installations and remedial works to wiring.”
The apprenticeship also saw Connor studying one day per week at the college where he had previously worked towards electrical qualifications.
“I always wanted to work in a trade, and University never appealed to me, but the apprenticeship enabled me to build on what I had learned at college and turn my initial interest in electrics into a real career,” added Connor who, in his spare time, enjoys golf and football.
Now he joins fellow electrician Shane as a valued member of our Property Plus team, which is responsible for maintenance of, and improvements to, the organisation’s housing stock.
Having drifted through a series of jobs, including window cleaning and factory work, until his mid-20s, Shane also decided that an apprenticeship offered the best prospect of a rewarding, long-term career.
“I had also studied electrics at college when I left school but never took things any further,” explained Shane, who celebrated his 30th birthday last year.
“I realised though that you are never too old to learn, and to take on a new challenge, and I think the apprenticeship has really helped me to start fulfilling my true potential,” added the father of two.
It’s not just trainee electricians who have benefitted from our apprenticeships programme, with other trades covered by the expanding programme.
Petros studied plumbing at college and recently qualified as a gas engineer after joining the scheme in 2018.
Like Connor, he says the support he has received from colleagues has proved invaluable as he trained for a rewarding career with high levels of responsibility.
“One of the best things about this job is the people you meet, and I love being out and about,” he said. “You also get a lot of satisfaction knowing you have done a job well, and this is down to the quality of the training I’ve received.”
National Apprenticeship Week takes place from 5 to 11 February 2024.
Tony Bishop, Director of People and Marketing, added: “We are really proud of all our apprentices. As well as completing their courses with flying colours they are now providing a first-class service to customers who rely on their skills.
“They are excellent ambassadors for our organisation, and I’m sure they will continue to build their careers based on the firm foundations of our apprenticeships.”