Marley

I am undertaking the Level 3 Electrotechnical (Installation) Apprenticeship and am in my second year!

I was unsure of what to do after studying my A Levels at college. I knew I wanted to get into a trade but wasn’t sure whether to do Electrical or Gas Engineering, a family friend recommended electrical and suggested an Apprenticeship. I was able to get some work experience once a week for around 6 weeks with Bristol City Council in the planned maintenance section and they suggested I apply to On Site Bristol.

I work with Charlie the owner of CSM every day it’s just the 2 of us. Our work is mainly at domestic properties. I have been working on lots of extensions and loft conversions putting in the wiring for lights and sockets.  I have been shadowing Charlie with testing more recently, as I am covering this at college for my unit 06 Inspect, Test and Commission Electrical System. I have also been in the workshop at college working on metal conduit this week for my unit 05 Terminate & Connect Conductors.

I really enjoy the working environment, it’s a good balance between working and college, with the 4 days at work and 1 day at college. It helps to put into practice what I have learned at college, and I can do this with Charlie and he’s always happy to discuss them with me.

I like to learn new skills, and I am enjoying it more as my understanding increases. I feel like I’m progressing more after each week. I like meeting new people and have made new friends at college. I’m enjoying meeting new customers as we are moving around to different jobs at work.

I didn’t know what to expect, but it’s been a positive experience and better than I expected! It has been good that I get one-to-one experience with my employer.

I am in my 2nd year and have another 2 and a half years to complete my apprenticeship. I would in the future like to venture out on my own or start my own company but want to gain more experience and confidence first.