National Apprenticeship Week: Tips from the trade

  Posted by: electime      9th February 2023

To support National Apprenticeship Week, Electrical Times hears from team members at the specialist, multi-discipline engineering solutions business, BGEN. All former electrical apprentices, they share their advice on making it in the electrical world for those people thinking about making a career in the sector.

Name

Tom Woollacott

Job title

Technology Strategic Account Manager

When did you qualify as an electrician via the apprenticeship route?

2008

Why go down the apprenticeship route?

I kind of fell into it but it was one of the best decisions I have made. I got a job at BGEN during the Summer of 2005 and was only supposed to be doing a six-week summer placement before returning to sixth form college. However, I really enjoyed my time on the manufacturing shop floor, and when I was offered an apprenticeship. I jumped at the chance.

What advice would you give someone thinking about having a career as an electrician?

Work hard and learn your trade. Completing an apprenticeship gives you a great foundation, you will be surprised just how many career pathways open-up once you have successfully completed your apprenticeship.

There are many opportunities within BGEN and the industry to develop. Once I completed my apprenticeship BGEN supported me with further higher education courses and what started out as a 6-week placement is currently over a 17-year enjoyable, exciting career.