National Apprenticeship Week – Reflecting on My Own Journey
As National Apprenticeship Week comes around, it’s given me a chance to reflect on my own journey—where it all started, what I’ve learned along the way, and how important apprenticeships continue to be in shaping careers.
From Travel Agent to Apprentice Electrician
When I left school back in 1988, I actually had my mind set on becoming a travel agent. A bit bizarre, I know, but I was great at geography, and it just seemed like a good fit. That all changed because of a simple light fitting in my parents’ kitchen.
My dad’s friend, Steve, was an electrician, and he’d come over to fit a new light. The problem was, he’d hurt his back and couldn’t do it himself—so instead, he supervised me and walked me through the whole process. He explained how everything worked, showed me how to use the tools, and made sure I did it properly. When the power was switched back on, and my mum was happy with her new light, I had a real sense of achievement.
While I was working, I asked Steve why he’d chosen to be an electrician. His answer stuck with me: “There will always be electrics in my lifetime, and there will always be work for electricians.” That hit home. The realisation that this was a trade with longevity and opportunity completely changed my thinking. The next thing I knew, I was starting an apprenticeship, becoming qualified, and—fast forward 36 years—having working in roles across design, sales, finance, and project management.
That one conversation with Steve completely changed the direction of my life.
Apprenticeships: From School Kid to Working Adult
One thing I’ve always said about apprentices is that they are schoolchildren one day and, quite literally, working adults the next. That’s a big shift. Suddenly, they’re in a workplace, earning a living, adapting to a completely new environment, and it can be daunting.
Over my career, I’ve worked with, supported, employed, and mentored countless apprentices. One thing I’ve learned is that everyone comes out of their shell at their own pace. Some hit the ground running and find their confidence within a few weeks, while for others, it can take a year or more. Everyone is different.
Some apprentices aren’t naturally confident, and that’s where we, as mentors, colleagues, and employers, need to step in. It’s our job to put that big fatherly or motherly arm around them, guide them, and give them the support they need to grow.
The Skills That Require No Talent
No matter where you start or what career path you choose, there are certain things that require absolutely no talent but can make a massive difference to your success. These are the principles I always pass on to young apprentices starting out:
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I think if you can master these early on, and you’ll already be ahead. None of these require training, sitting in a classroom, or passing an exam, but they separate those who just turn up from those who thrive.
A positive, can-do attitude will always set you apart. We strive to build a positive culture at GW Power and these principles don’t just apply to apprentices, they apply to everyone in the workplace. Look at that list again - shouldn’t we all be aiming to do these things?
Watching Apprentices Become the Future of the Industry
Most apprentices come into their own eventually, and it’s amazing to see. There’s nothing better than visiting a site and seeing someone who was once a nervous 16-year-old apprentice now running their own project as a fully qualified, confident professional.
I always take a moment to think back—four or five years earlier, when they were sitting nervously in an interview, and now here they are leading their own team. Seeing apprentices grow into talented tradespeople, designers, estimators, or project managers makes me feel like a proud dad.
The Journey Doesn’t Stop at Qualification
One thing I always say is that getting qualified isn’t the end of the journey—it’s just the start. Becoming an electrician can lead to so many other things—design, estimating, project management, sales, and more.
A career in the trades can open doors you never even considered when you started, and that’s the beauty of it.
We’re All Apprentices in Some Way
Even after 36 years in this industry, I still believe that we’re all apprentices in some way. There’s always something new to learn, something to improve, and something to pass on to others.
As the saying goes, every day is a school day. I know it’s a bit cheesy, but it’s true. No matter how much experience we have, we never stop learning.
So, to all the apprentices out there - stick with it, be patient, and focus on what you can control. The rewards will come, and one day, you’ll be looking back on your own journey with pride.
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