What made you choose Enerveo for your apprenticeship?

After finishing my A-Levels, I knew I wanted to work in a trade. Electrical work appealed to me, so I started looking for opportunities. I came across Enerveo on Indeed and hadn't really considered street lighting before, but the more I researched, the more interesting it seemed.

Why did you decide on an apprenticeship instead of university or another path?

I initially chose A-Levels to give myself time to think, but I realised university wasn’t for me. I wanted something more practical, and none of the university courses I considered would have led straight to a job. Being hands-on suits me much better, and an apprenticeship offers both learning and work experience at the same time.

How have your first few months been? Is the role what you expected?

I’ve really enjoyed it. I wasn’t sure what to expect when I got to the site - what the people would be like, what the work would involve, but everyone has been really welcoming. I haven’t learned all of the theory yet, but I’ve already been involved in reactive maintenance, which has been great. If I ever have questions, someone is always happy to explain or show me how things work, and doing things hands-on really helps it stick in my head. The biggest advantage is how quickly you learn.

What have you enjoyed the most about your apprenticeship so far?

I really like going up in the bucket and working at heights - it’s not something you get to do in most jobs! The reactive maintenance work is interesting too - most jobs are similar, but each has its own challenges.

Have there been any challenges, and how have you overcome them?

Not really. There will always be things you don’t know, but you’re never alone - you’re always working with someone experienced who can help. The biggest adjustment has been meeting lots of new people from different backgrounds and ages, but it’s a great opportunity to learn from those with more experience.

What’s something new or surprising you’ve learned since starting?

I found the on-call work really interesting. If a streetlight is knocked down, you have to be there within two hours, or the company gets fined £20,000! I haven’t done it myself yet as I’m not qualified, but it’ll be interesting when I do. I’ve also been amazed at how much there is to know about street lighting - it’s something you don’t think about much, but it’s really important.

How have your colleagues and mentors supported you in your journey?

Everyone I’ve worked with has been really nice and approachable. They’re always willing to help and explain things, which makes learning much easier.

Where do you see your career going after completing the apprenticeship?

I want to progress once I’ve finished. I’m particularly interested in training for live jointing - I feel like I’d be really good at it.

What are you most excited about in your career at Enerveo?

Learning more skills, getting more responsibility, and developing my career within the company. There are plenty of opportunities to grow.

What advice would you give to someone considering an apprenticeship at Enerveo?

Be comfortable working at heights - if you’re scared of heights, this job isn’t for you! You also need to be happy working outdoors because in the summer it’s hot, in the winter it’s cold, and sometimes it rains. Don’t be put off by the safety videos - some of them can be intense, but they’re just there to show you what can happen if things aren’t done safely.

What’s one thing you’d tell your past self about starting this apprenticeship?

The fact that you’re being paid while learning a skill is a huge bonus. At university, you’d just be reading textbooks with no job guarantee at the end, whereas here, you’re gaining practical skills that look great on your CV and are directly transferable to the workplace. Plus, the course is four years, so you’re really building a solid foundation for your future.

Is there anything else you’d like to share about your experience so far?

I’d say it’s really reassuring that you’re always being checked up on to make sure you have everything you need, so you don’t have to worry. Safety is a huge priority—our equipment is high quality, and you’re always shown exactly what to do. The apprenticeship scheme is well-structured, so you know what to expect over the next few years.