Electrical Maintenance Apprentice Review

The work varies from day to day. From practical work given to us by our instructors, creating lighting and power circuits in the workshop and completing the write-ups on the installations (including diagrams and research completed) to attending lectures of the theoretical side of electrical maintenance, such as how to complete cable calculations.

I have gained many new skills during my apprenticeship, and continue to gain new ones through experiential placements with experienced electricians. I now have a more in depth knowledge of electrical theory and the practical skills to create circuits and carry out maintenance on existing circuits. I have also learned how to create support systems for electrical builds.

I have enjoyed the various teaching methods utilised at AWE greatly. From the practical work to the theoretical work, no two days are ever really the same. It gives me a great sense of fulfillment to be learning a trade in an enjoyable workspace surrounded by support and like-minded people.

The programme is well organised and structured across the three years the apprentice course lasts. The first year and a half takes place within the apprentice academy, with guided learning and tasks carried out and set by the academy instructors. The second year and a half is carried out on site with experienced mentors furthering our learning.

We consistently receive continued and varied support from our employers in the form of our instructors and line managers setting the course for our learning and carrying out monthly reports to receive feedback on our progress, with the support we require decided as a result of these reports and meetings.

We receive consistent support from our training provider as we work towards our qualifications in the form of one day a week being spent within the learning establishment, with lessons throughout the day for the different units of the qualification, with teachers on hand to assist us with the different criteria needed to achieve the grades needed.

The qualification helps me perform better in my role by helping to reinforce the theoretical side of the trade, as well as giving me a better understanding of the wider theory behind the workings of electricity as a whole. It gives me knowledge that I can carry forward with me as I move on from my apprenticeship.

There are certain extra curricular activities to get involved with at my work, usually organised and carried out through the apprentice association that other apprentices can volunteer for. Such activities vary from bowling nights, Airsoft events, nights out socialising and Christmas parties just for the apprentices within the apprentice academy.

Yes

I would (and have) recommend the AWE Apprentice scheme to friends, as I found it a good, friendly environment to learn a trade and a safe, secure future career to keep me in work for the foreseeable future, whilst also learning skills that I can carry over into my personal life.

Just be yourself. Do some research on the business and which trade you think would suit you the best. You can come into the company with bare minimum know-how, safe in the knowledge that the academy is there to teach you how to become sufficiently capable in your chosen profession.