JIB Apprentice Exchange winner announced

Matthew Pickering, of NG Bailey, has been announced as the winner of the Joint Industry Board (JIB) Apprentice Exchange Programme and will spend six weeks living and working as an electrician in Brisbane, Australia. The JIB relaunched its Apprentice Exchange Programme last year after it was suspended in 2020 following the outbreak of Covid.

As part of the trip Matthew will also visit the contractors' association, union and leading training providers to get a better understanding of how the industry works and compile a report on his experiences of the electrical industry in Queensland, Australia.

Richard Clarke, Chair of the JIB Skills Development Fund Trustees, said: “The JIB Apprentice Exchange Programme offers a fantastic opportunity to enhance not only your electrotechnical career, but also to experience and learn about life as an electrician in another country. Matthew will act as an ambassador for the UK electrical contracting industry, learning about and sharing best practice and experiences for the benefit of the electrical community internationally.”

Karon van der Heiden, Apprenticeship Development Partner at NG Bailey, commented: “Matthew's goal has been to complete his apprenticeship to the highest standard, keeping himself accountable for progression. Throughout his apprenticeship Matthew has been keen to absorb knowledge from the more experienced electricians on site, never afraid to ask questions, to be challenged and stretched to better his technical skills and knowledge. Credit also goes to Oana Apostol who worked closely with Matthew as his Workforce Manager.”

Ahead of his trip, Matthew said: “I’m very much looking forward to seeing how our Australian counterparts train and maintain standards amongst the working electricians. There will no doubt be lots of cultural similarities so it’ll be interesting to see how we compare. It’s an opportunity of a lifetime and I’m excited to make the most of it.”

Andy Reakes, Secretary to the JIB Skills Development Fund, said: “We wish Matthew the best on his Australian adventure and look forward to hearing all about his experiences and lessons learnt upon his return.”

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