Apprenticeships: the holistic approach to a career in electrical engineering
~ The benefits of taking an apprenticeship ~
According to the Higher Education Statistics Agency, just over half of UK-domiciled graduates were in full-time employment 15 months after their graduation. With growing concerns from graduates over student-loan debt and lack of work experience, apprenticeships are growing in popularity as they allow apprentices to earn a wage as they learn the skills in demand. Here Jack Edwards, electrical engineer apprentice at defence systems integrator Delkia, discusses why apprenticeships are an excellent way to start a career while gaining a nationally recognised qualification.
In the first two quarters of the 2020/21 academic year, there were 161,900 apprenticeship starts. Although the number of new apprenticeships decreased by 18 per cent from 2019/20, this can be attributed to business uncertainty during COVID-19 and lockdown. The pandemic had a big impact on education, but luckily many institutions and businesses are either returning to normal or have developed new working habits.
Growing up in Cumbria, I studied subjects like electronics, chemistry and resistant materials at my school. Many schools encourage students to pursue a university degree, however some students may not achieve the grades needed to get accepted onto a course, causing them stress. University also adds the pressure of student loans, and the upfront costs of accommodation and buying new household items can be inaccessible for families with lower income. When an apprentice can work from home, without student debt and earning money, apprenticeships can become an appealing option as opposed to university.
After two years at college, focusing on electrical installation, I myself started looking for an apprenticeship. Though the process can be quite long, especially as apprenticeships are dependent on businesses doing well, being offered the apprenticeship at Delkia was exciting. For professions like electrical engineering, apprenticeships can be really beneficial in helping start your career while also providing insightful experience and a good education.
Delkia is a rapidly growing SME, which means there are lots of opportunities available as the company grows. Apprentices are given attention and one on one time, which further accelerates their on-the-job learning.
Being an apprentice also means more involvement in the workplace, such as being invited to meetings. Although at the start we may have lots of questions or be confused about different terminology, we will slowly be able to pick things up and feel included in everyday discussions. We will also feel like an accepted member of the team when we are involved with meetings that focus on company plans for the future.
There are also new skills to learn when you’re an apprentice. Though some days I will be wiring up control panels or fixing things in the office, I have already started learning other useful skills such as first-aid training and how to use auto CAD.
An apprenticeship can show individuals different career paths they may not have known about as they are inspired by their peers or managers. For example, I have been inspired by my manager who has a master’s degree in electrical engineering and works as an engineering project manager. When I finished my Level 3 maintenance operation electronics technician apprenticeship after 36 months, I will be a fully qualified electrical technician. However, my ambition is to eventually get my degree further down the line after gaining more experience.
Apprenticeships come in various forms, meaning they can suit most people. By attending college one day a week and working the rest, work experience can supplement studies granting apprentices a more holistic view of their course. It can be easy to feel lost in broad subjects, not knowing what you want to do with your career, but an apprenticeship can give vital insights into the working world.
For more information on Delkia and the apprenticeships the offer, email [email protected].
