Were you an apprentice?

The apprenticeship scheme has lots of benefits – for the young and/or often unemployed apprentices it allows them to embark on a rewarding career and for the employers that support the scheme, nurturing these stars will help their business grow. In fact, 96% of employers that take on apprentices report benefits to their business.* Following the launch of our range of apprenticeship programmes, we asked you for your thoughts on this career boosting way into work.   Clive Carver, retired electrician. “I started a 5 year indentured Electrical Apprenticeship some 52 years ago with the London Electricity Board – I wanted to join the Royal Marines but my father told me I would be doing an apprenticeship. How wise!   “I qualified after the 5 year period having worked in every department of the board and in addition I worked in Battersea Power Station when it was live. What an experience. I joined the Merchant Navy at 21 as an electrical engineer and travelled all over the world. I then spent 5 years in South Africa working as an electrician. Another experience in life.   “My last 27 years in work was with Siemens in sales and latterly as a Business Development Director – and all because of my apprenticeship back ground.   “In conclusion, how wise my old man was – get an apprenticeship, whatever the trade - and the world's your oyster and you will never be out of work.”   Derek Finan, Gas and Quality Manager from Sunrealm. “I started my working life as an apprentice and I regard this as the cornerstone of my career, providing me with a proper, practical grounding in heating and plumbing. In my opinion, the apprenticeship scheme should be mandatory for all gas operatives, with government providing support to ensure more apprentices make their way through the whole programme.”   Were you an apprentice? We’d like to hear your stories, contact [email protected].