Tell me briefly about yourself. How long have you been with Harvey Group? What was your career path?
I joined the company in 1997 as a first year Electrical Apprentice and have been here ever since.
Why did you decide to pursue an apprenticeship?
At that age I was unsure of what path to pursue, and after taking advice from my parents, I decided to pursue a trade apprenticeship. My uncle was an Electrician, and it was always something that interested me.
How did your apprenticeship shape your understanding of the industry and your approach to your career?
When I first started, it was certainly an eye-opener for me. Looking back, I really had no idea what would be involved in the commercial and industrial side of an apprenticeship.
At a young age you would be more aware of tradespeople calling to do work at your house on a domestic level. In reality, there are so many strands to both electrical and plumbing works, and a huge variety of sectors to be worked in.
What skills or experiences from your apprenticeship have you found to be most valuable throughout your career?
I had so many good people around me while serving my time as an apprentice. Good 'old school' foremen and journeymen who had been through it all and were happy to share their experience and offer their advice – as long as you were willing to listen! If you don't know something, ask the question. As an apprentice, you need to show an interest and ask plenty of questions.
Looking back, how did the apprenticeship programme you completed compare to the current programmes offered today? How has it evolved, and how have career opportunities changed?
It has changed, but I believe the basics of the apprenticeship are the same. You learn the fundamentals in training college, and gain invaluable practical experience with experienced tradespeople while on-site.
What would you say to anyone considering an apprenticeship?
Go for it! It opens up so many other opportunities further down the line. After completing your electrical or plumbing apprenticeship, you can choose from a wide variety of careers from Electrician, Plumber, Contracts Manager, Design Engineer, Estimator, Quantity Surveyor, or even go your own way and start a business of your own!
There is also the technical apprenticeship route. While studying for your university degree, you get invaluable site and office-based experiences, working with different departments within the company. As with any young person setting out in their career journey, having the right attitude is imperative. Have a good work ethic, a can-do attitude, and a willingness to learn, and you'll be in a good place.
How important do you think apprenticeships are for the future of the UK workforce?
Apprenticeship programmes are key to the future of our industry. The industry has changed over the years, and the experience that was once there is diminishing. With more young people being drawn to different careers, there is a risk that there won't be enough tradespeople to carry out the work. This will, in turn, lead to unqualified and inexperienced labour taking on work that they are not capable of delivering.
From your perspective as Managing Director, what can businesses do to improve the apprenticeship experience for young people entering the workforce?
We have to do all we can to support our young people through their apprenticeships. Most apprentices are fresh out of school with no experience whatsoever. It is an unfortunate reality that not all apprenticeships will be successful. Some will not complete their training and decide to take a different career path entirely.
We are open and honest about the highs and lows of entering the construction industry when interviewing candidates. It's important to remember that the construction trade is not for everyone. Early starts and cold winter mornings are a shock to young people fresh out of school.
However, the benefits of an apprenticeship, and how they can help shape you as a person, while opening up a variety of career paths make it a rewarding choice.