Henry is studying a Level 3 NVQ Gas Engineering apprenticeship at Steve Willis Training Centre.
Q: Why did you choose an apprenticeship?
A: I wanted to learn a skill. Gas engineering is my family. I wanted to follow in my older brother’s footsteps.
I love the apprenticeship. It’s a great opportunity for young people like myself. You get to learn and become skillful in the trade.
Q: What has your experience been like working with Hyde?
A: It’s been great. I have good teachers who are really good at mentoring. They’re many jobs available, so every day I’m doing gas work. I’ve been here for 18 months, which has flown by.
Q: What do you enjoy doing when not at work or school?
A: I like going to the gym, playing football with friends, and walking my dog. I’m really into sports and keeping fit.
Q: What’s a day in your life as a Gas Engineer Apprentice like?
A: I get the job or jobs for the day. Like today’s job is a two-day job, continuing from yesterday. It’s a combination boiler replacement/install.
I usually arrive at the customer’s home, greet them, carrying the necessary tools and equipment inside and have a look at the job. Once I’ve seen the job, I get started fault finding and then fixing the issue. If a job needs a different part, we go to the merchant and pick it up.
It’s nice to be shadowing experienced engineers, so if there’s something I don’t know, I can ask them. They’re all so helpful and happy to support me.
I also like engaging with customers. They’re always so receptive when I explain what I’m doing. I like explaining to them how the thermostat and boiler flow temperatures work.
Q: How have Hyde’s training sessions benefitted you and helped on the job?
A: The health and safety training specifically is useful. It’s really important especially on the job. From making sure you have the right PPE, to lone working and how to avoid and report near miss incidents. I’m always happy to participate in the sessions as you learn a lot. It helps you keep safe on the job.
Q: What do you feel are the advantages of doing an apprenticeship over full time education?
A: You get to learn on the job. You’re learning and getting experience at the same time. You get that book knowledge, but you also get work knowledge as well. You learn from people who may have been in your position a few years ago. It’s good to hear from them and how they’ve grown in the job.
Q: What plans do you have for the future?
A: To become a fully qualified gas engineer. In the meantime, I want to continue learning and working at Hyde. Gain on the job training and develop my skills and continue to expand my knowledge.