NATIONAL APPRENTICESHIP WEEK
“They can help shape you as a person while opening up a variety of career paths.”
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 an MD’s perspective, 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
plumbing works, and a huge variety of sectors to work in.
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. 14 Glenwell Road, Newtownabbey, Co Antrim, BT36 7RF T: +44 (0)28 9034 2444 E: enquiries@harveygroup.co.uk www.harveygroup.co.uk
What skills or experiences from your apprenticeship have you found to be most valuable? I’ve 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 if you were willing to listen. As an apprentice, you need to show an interest and ask plenty of questions. How does the apprenticeship programme you completed compare to the programmes offered today? 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 to 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.
Jonnie Clarke first joined Harvey Group in 1997 as a first-year electrical apprentice.
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