28 Jan Age no barrier to apprenticeship for Braintree man
In the run-up to National Apprenticeship Week, a Braintree man has insisted age is no barrier to securing an apprenticeship in the electricity industry.
Jack Ransome, 30, completed an Experienced Apprenticeship at UK Power Networks last year and is now employed by the company as a linesperson working on overhead cables.
During his apprenticeship he was diagnosed with dyslexia, but the company’s trainers gave him the support he needed to complete his exams.
In the lead up to National Apprenticeship Week (Feb 7-13) and as his employer UK Power Networks invites applications for 20 new apprentices, Jack, now fully qualified, has urged people to realise it is never too late to learn.
Jack said: “I had been an electrician for about ten years, initially for a couple of companies and then self-employed when I saw the experienced apprenticeship come up I was 28.
“It was a slight risk for me as although experienced apprentices are well paid, it was a short-term drop in income but I felt it was the best longer-term option. The main reason for that is I was getting a bit stagnant in my role as an electrician, there was no scope for progression like there is here.
“In my group the age range was about 26 to 40 so we were all a little bit older than a ‘typical’ apprentice, but we all had a strong mechanical knowledge background and could help each other out. We all had different strengths and weaknesses and there was a real feeling of everyone looking out for one another.
“I’ve already spoken to a few friends and advised them to go for the apprenticeship. With the cost of living increasing all the time, it’s important to find a secure job that will reward you if you work hard and perform.
“I struggled a bit at school when I was younger and didn’t really know what to do in terms of a career, but my Dad advised me to find a trade because that way, whatever happens, you should always be in a position to find work.
“Once I started this apprenticeship I was diagnosed with dyslexia. I had always suspected this, I remember teachers at school telling my Mum it was a possibility, but had never had it confirmed before. The training staff gave me amazing support including extra time to do my exams. Knowing I have dyslexia has helped me understand myself better, it explains why in the past I found school a bit difficult, so it’s been a positive to find out more about it.”
National Apprenticeship Week will shine a light on the benefits that apprenticeships can bring to individuals, employers and to the wider economy. UK Power Networks is recruiting for 14 new craft apprentices and six higher apprentices who will play a key role in the country’s transition to Net Zero, as the company enables communities to use low carbon technologies including electric transport and heating.
UK Power Networks is ranked number six in the UK’s Top 25 Best Big Companies to Work For, and a ‘Platinum’ Investors in People. To find out more about apprenticeships at UK Power Networks and apply by February 20, visit: http://www.ukpowernetworkscareers.co.uk/careers/
