National Apprenticeship Week (8 – 12 February) is a week-long celebration of the benefits apprenticeships can bring to individuals, our organisation and our clients. Collectively the Mitie and Interserve business have 1,135 colleagues currently undertaking apprenticeships in over 50 different programmes.
This week, we will be putting the spotlight firmly on our apprentices' experiences, providing insight into what it's like to be an apprentice at Mitie, highlighting the benefits they can bring and celebrating success.
Nathan Woods, Electrical Engineer and part of our Interserve FM business.
What did you do before becoming an apprentice with Interserve FM/Mitie?
Before my apprenticeship, I completed by GCSEs at school. Then, I enrolled in the Electrical Engineering Level 2 course at my local college, just before gaining my apprenticeship
Why did you choose to do an apprenticeship?
I decided to do an apprenticeship because I wanted to learn a skill while still attending college to gain my qualifications. I decided to go for an apprenticeship over going to University as I wanted to be able to get hands on training in a real working environment, which I would highly recommend.
Why did you choose Interserve as an employer?
From carrying out research on the company I knew I would get good training during my apprenticeship. This is very important as it allows you to gain the skills and knowledge to be able to work independently. I knew I would be able to gain all the qualifications I needed and have chances to do any necessary extra training.
Tell us about a typical day
A typical day at work will be arriving to start work at 8am, where I find out which colleague I’ll be working with for the day. Then I carry out PPMs, PMCs, reactive and project works that are required to be completed. Then I begin by shadowing and having a qualified tradesman show me all the specifics of the job in hand. As you build up confidence, skills and knowledge they let you carry out the job whilst under supervision until you’re able to complete the job safely and correctly, then you can then work independently if deemed competent. An example of the work I carry out as an Electrical Engineer, is Distribution Board Maintenance, fixing and repairing lights, installing new sockets and electrical supplies for equipment, attending to any reactive breakdowns that occur on site and much more. Having a wide range of work types to carry out helps to broaden my skills and knowledge. Once you have completed the work and everything is left in a safe manner you’re finished for the day at 5pm.
What do you enjoy about your current role?
I enjoy working with experienced colleagues that can guide me and help me to gain the correct skills and knowledge to complete a job successfully. I enjoy college as I’m currently carrying out my HNC in General Engineering which allows me to use the knowledge and skills I’ve learnt throughout the course and put it into practice at work.
How do you think undertaking an apprenticeship has helped you in your current role and future career prospects?
Undertaking an apprenticeship has helped to boost my communication skills. It has given me the experience to efficiently communicate with my colleagues and the client. It allows you to gain specialized skills that can be used not only at work but outside from work as well. Undertaking an apprenticeship allows you to take on responsibilities at a young age. This can be from having a good work ethic to be punctual and ensuring you turn up to work every day.
Where you would you like to see yourself in five years’ time?
In five years’ time I would like to continue building on my skills and knowledge by carrying out any training that will improve this. I would hope to be able to support and guide new apprentices to be able to learn a new trade and help them gain their qualifications. In future I would like to potentially progress onto a supervisor role to be able organize and help other engineers with day to day tasks.
What advice would you give to anyone considering an apprenticeship?
If anyone has the chance to carry out an apprenticeship I would highly recommend it. Not only will you be able to learn a trade you get a feel of being part of the working environment. Being part of team and working with skilled tradesmen will allow you to enhance your skills. Also having the chance to attend college with other apprentices of similar ages to gain required qualifications.
If you want to find out more about how apprenticeships get in touch at apprenticeships@mitie.com