#NAW2021: “Undertaking an electrical apprenticeship was the best decision I ever made”

ECA’s Technical Director, and former President, Mike Smith began his electrotechnical career with an apprenticeship aged 15. In today’s blog, mike shares his thoughts on his career path, and gives advice to employers, the industry and young people thinking about making the leap into an apprenticeship… 

Undertaking an electrical apprenticeship was the best decision I ever made. It gave me the opportunity to learn about electrical theory and the practical elements of how to install various cabling methods, containment, switchgear and electronics.

Far from restricting career choices, undertaking an apprenticeship has opened so many doors for me and allowed me to develop as I wanted, at a pace that suited me.

My advice for employers and industry…

It is important for employers to bring in diverse and young new talent to ensure continuity within the industry for years to come. They are also essential for keeping our industry relevant to society, and to keep up with the rapid pace of technological change.

Apprentices are also a cost-effective method of developing focussed individuals who gain from practical experiences, understand the behaviours the job requires, and learn theory that they can apply to new scenarios and technologies throughout their careers.

My advice for apprentices…

I know from my own experience that this route may lead to a specific trade career. But it can also be a platform to experience many diverse aspects of a role and specialise in a particular sector, or enter further/higher education. In my case, a HNC (Higher national Certificate) in Contracting Management.

I am still on a learning journey more than 35 years later, but I always look back at my apprenticeship as being the strong foundation that allowed me to achieve every other success in my career.

For more information about apprenticeships and pathways into the industry, visit ECA’s Apprenticeships Portal and the Electrical Careers website. 

Follow #NAW2021 and #BuildTheFuture on social media for more about National Apprenticeship Week 2021.