Electrical Apprenticeship Journey: Notes from Interview

Apprenticeship Background

• Started with a Sitting Girls Bursary.
• Completed Level 2 and Level 3 in Electrical Installations.
• Qualification: Two three six nine in electrical installation.
• Initially applied for the bursary independently and was self-employed doing odd jobs.

Current Role and Experience

• Previously worked with Dunbar Electrical, doing domestic electrical work.
• Subcontracted for Energy Electrical, focusing on industrial and commercial work with ARC MEC.
• Currently working on a Rolls Royce project in Rangeway, which is a novel and interesting project.

Personal Journey and Motivation

• Originally studied biomedical science at university and worked part-time in the care sector.
• Took a gap year, lost job during COVID, and experienced mental health challenges.
• Partner, who is an electrician, suggested helping out, which led to discovering a love for practical work.
• Enjoyed working with hands and seeing tangible results, gaining job satisfaction.
• Started working without formal qualifications but sought growth opportunities.
• Partner recommended the bursary, which was essential due to financial constraints during COVID.

Information Gathering and Challenges

• Relied on partner's knowledge and word-of-mouth for information on qualifications.
• Identified a lack of a centralized, clear source of information on required qualifications to become an electrician.
• Noted the need for clarity regarding the steps to take, as it's not immediately obvious what qualifications are needed (like needing Level 2 before Level 3).

Misconceptions and Industry Insights

• Observed a significant difference between domestic and industrial electrical work.
• Believes qualifications are more geared towards the commercial aspect, which may not always be relevant for those in purely domestic roles.
• Suggests tailoring specific qualifications based on desired career path (domestic vs. commercial).

Course Challenges and Preferences

• Struggled with self-motivation during the remote Level 2 course while working.
• Preferred the classroom environment of the Level 3 crash course.

Enjoyable Aspects of Training

• Particularly enjoyed the testing aspect of the course.
• Found that on-site experience and helping peers reinforced confidence and knowledge.

Course Preparation for Real-World Work

• Values understanding the theory behind the practical work, especially regarding regulations.
• Emphasizes the importance of knowing why things are done a certain way, not just following past practices.

Key Moment of Realization

• The design project at the end, which involved applying learned calculations and using reference materials, was a pivotal moment of accomplishment.

Securing First Job

• Secured the first job via Facebook, indicating interest in electrical work after starting Level 2.

Transition from Student to Professional

• Prefers working to being a student due to enjoying routine and practical learning.
• Values seeing results and getting feedback.

Career Impact and Job Security

• Feels confident in job security due to the high demand for electricians.
• Appreciates the opportunity to network and make friends in the field.
• Values the trade as a safety net, providing security against long periods of unemployment.

Impact of Stable Income

• Stable income has enabled purchasing a first house.

Advice for Others

• Recommends pursuing an apprenticeship, ideally with sponsorship for on-the-job learning and mentorship.
• Acknowledges starting a bit later as a mature student but remains happy with the journey.

Reflection on Decision

• Confident that choosing this career path was the right decision, opening doors and providing job security.

Future Career Goals

• Plans to complete MVQ (NVQ?).
• Wants to obtain the eighteenth edition and testing and inspection qualifications.
• Aims to pursue various qualifications to continuously progress.
• Considers doing own domestic jobs as a self-employed contractor.
• Open to seeing where the journey leads.