Welcome to SJD’s newest apprentice
20 year-old Jack is SJD’s latest recruit. He enrolled on the level 1 and 2 electrical installation course at Milton Keynes College at the age of 16 but found it really difficult getting an apprenticeship without a driving licence. Once he could drive, he joined an electrical contractor but the role required travelling and staying away from home which didn’t suit Jack and he lost his enthusiasm for the industry.
Fortunately, he had a friend that introduced him to SJD and following a couple of interviews with the company, Jack has been offered an apprenticeship with SJD. A month into his new job and Jack is so happy to be a part of the team. He said: “I’m absolutely loving the work and all the learning. I work with a very close-knit team and there’s always someone to answer a question. Everyone helps each other out and is available to talk to you. “It’s an amazing industry, you just have to be with the right people and the right company. I can’t imagine doing anything else.” “I can’t imagine doing anything else.” It was only natural that Jack should get himself a job in the built environment sector because he comes from a line of trades people – his stepdad is a gas engineer, his uncle is a carpenter, and his aunt is an architect.
Jack says every day is a school day: “I’m always learning something new. I’ve been working on a job at Niftylift where I’ve been helping to install 16a commando sockets and I’ve just done my first 3 phase distribution board and although it was challenging, I really feel like I’ve achieved something. “Liam, who I’ve been working with, helps me if I am struggling with anything and he’s always teaching me and sharing his knowledge. He tests me and my knowledge and lets me learn from my own mistakes helping me be the best electrician I can be. ‘…helping me be the best electrician I can be.’ “I’m really grateful to our MD, Ruth, who’s given me this opportunity to join SJD because I know it’s hard to get a job here and I know I’ve joined an amazing industry.”
Jack says that he’s very aware of the importance of Health and Safety in his new role: “It’s the first thing we think about, and we have a dedicated health and safety officer who ensures we get the risk assessments and method statements so we know what we must do to avoid accidents.” Jack is also understanding the part he has to play in ensuring that the company is operating in a sustainable manner and is learning the ropes about recycling on site. “We have different bins for all our site waste whether it’s for cardboard, batteries. Things like tube lights, for example, have to be kept intact and disposed of safely.”
One day a week, Jack goes to Milton Keynes College where he’s currently learning about inspection testing and fault finding. He’s also working on his portfolio to show all the experience he is getting on site. He’ll complete his course in around a year’s time when he’s passed his AM2S end point assessment, and he’ll then become a fully qualified electrician.
Welcome to the team, Jack. We can’t wait to see your progress and where your career takes you.