William Blake, 21 from Ascot, is in the final year of an electrical maintenance engineering apprenticeship with multi-disciplinary engineering firm, adi Group.
What led you to choosing the Apprenticeship route into engineering?
I started with adi Group at age 17 after completely one year at college. I was really desperate for the chance to be an electrician since I left school at 16. After a few ups and down trying to get an apprenticeship, I applied for a job with adi Group. When I went to the interview I just knew that I wanted to work in Mechanical and Electrical engineering. I was really pleased to be taken on as an adi Apprentice. Its been the best decision Ive ever made. Ive now been working within the Facilities Engineering division at the Group for three years based at one of our client sites.
What have you learnt during your Apprenticeship with adi Group?
During the time I have been working at adi Group, I have picked up a lot of skills both in terms of technical skills and key communication skills. Its one thing learning how electricity works and how to safely work on it but I have also developed a lot of people skills having to work with a wide variety of people in the office from colleagues through to clients.
Being a facilities engineer there are three typical roles that Im involved which are Electrical, Mechanical or Refrigeration/Air Conditioning. I have chosen to go down the electrical route and become a fully qualified electrician.
Facilities engineering is maintaining a work environment in areas such as offices and factories. Clients rely on us for their power, water, air etc. The types of equipment I work on are fundamental equipment on the office and factory environment such as Pumps, Air Conditioning units, Fan coil units, Lights, Lifts, Air handling units, Extraction units.
To be an electrician I have to do my NVQ level 3 electrotechinal science course which involves three years of college work and exams throughout the three years. Ive also been putting together a portfolio showing photos of range of work I have done and the types of projects that Ive bee involved with. Once this is complete, I then have to do an external exam called an AM2 at a test centre over the course of three days. Here my installation, testing and fault finding skills will be assessed in order for me to be fully qualified.
What advice do you have for anyone currently doing an Apprenticeship?
Dont be worried to fail because the people around you are always happy to help and guide you. Ive had it a lot of time where I'm stuck in a position and a little help and guidance has helped improved my confidence.
Would you recommend an apprenticeship to other young people?
I have enjoyed my time at adi Group so much. Ive been fortunate to have met some amazing people and made some great friends, from meeting the other apprentices through to the team building activities arranged for us through the Apprentice Academy. It really has been a great experience that Id encourage anyone to do.
If you feel youre a hands on and proactive person then an engineering apprenticeship is a perfect way to blossom your skills.
For more information about adi Group apprenticeships and careers please visit www.adiltd.co.uk/careers.