National Apprenticeship Week 2023

National Apprenticeship Week 6-12 February is an annual campaign highlighting the value apprenticeships bring to organisations across the UK.

This year’s theme is ‘Skills for Life’ and shines a light on how apprenticeships help people develop the skills and knowledge needed for a rewarding career. And how they help businesses develop a talented workforce equipped with future-ready skills.

We have nine apprentices working with us across our sites in roles ranging from mechanical and electrical engineering to transport. It’s great to have a week where we can showcase their development and achievements and what they enjoy about their role.

The week-long celebration begins on February 6th and will highlight the fantastic work done by apprentices and employers across the UK.

At LondonEnergy, our programmes are designed to provide our apprentices with the tools and skills they need to grow, succeed, and launch their future careers.

Alycia- Electrical & Instrumentation Apprentice

Why did you choose the apprenticeship route?

I chose to do an apprenticeship because of the employability prospects. Employers looking for technically skilled employees value apprenticeships because they allow you to gain the industry-recognised qualification needed to transition to the workforce.

What is a typical day like for you as an apprentice?

As an Electrical and Instrument apprentice, I begin my day at 7am with a morning maintenance meeting where I learn about the day’s tasks. The tasks are divided into two categories: planned maintenance and reactive maintenance. Recently, I’ve been working with various devices that measure and control pressure, flow, temperature, level, motion, and force. I could be testing and calibrating the dissolved oxygen for the turbine, or testing and troubleshooting a star delta motor, or setting up load cells for the silos.

Most days are very different, making each day unique.

What is your favourite thing about doing an apprenticeship?

My favourite thing about doing an apprenticeship is the opportunity to specialise in an area of particular interest to me. The apprenticeship provides me with a foundation of electrical and instrument knowledge, but also allows me to select a field of interest – instrument and control, where I am currently completing my NVQ.

Charlize – Mechanical Maintenance Apprentice

Why did you choose the apprenticeship route?

I chose an apprenticeship because it would provide me with subject-specific knowledge as well as hands-on experience.

What is a typical day like for you as an apprentice?

I start my day by double-checking that I’m wearing the proper PPE. I would then start working on a project assigned to me by my supervisors. A crane wheel is an example of a project that I could be working on.

What is your favourite thing about doing an apprenticeship?

My favourite aspect of working as an apprentice is being a part of a fantastic team from which I can learn so much.

Khaleel- Mechanical Maintenance Apprentice

Why did you choose the apprenticeship route?

I chose to complete an apprenticeship because I knew it would benefit my development by providing me with the necessary practical experience for my chosen career.

What is a typical day like for you as an apprentice?

I like how every day as an apprentice is different for me. I shadow senior mechanical engineers performing a variety of tasks in the workshop or the energy plant.

What is your favourite thing about doing an apprenticeship?

My favourite thing is the ability to participate in a variety of projects.