As National Apprenticeship Week 2025 continues, today we’re focusing on one of our fourth-year apprentices, Jack. With just months to go until he completes his apprenticeship, Jack reflects on his journey at UK Electrical Installations (UKE), the skills he’s developed, and what’s next for him.
Four Years of Growth and Experience
After four years at UKE, apprentices transition from learning the basics to mastering complex tasks and taking on leadership responsibilities. For Jack, the most valuable part of his apprenticeship has been the trust and responsibility he’s been given:
“I’d say the most valuable part of my apprenticeship has been being given the responsibility to run small parts of projects.”
This hands-on experience has allowed him to develop independence and confidence, setting him up for a successful career.
Mastering Technical Skills
Fourth-year apprentices are expected to refine their expertise in key technical areas, and Jack has made great strides in testing and inspection, a crucial part of electrical work:
“I have recently completed the testing and inspection block for college, which has given me much more confidence in this aspect of work.”
This advanced training is essential for electricians as they move into more senior roles, ensuring they can carry out work safely and efficiently.
Becoming Independent & Confident
A major milestone in the fourth year is the ability to work independently on projects, and Jack has reached that stage:
“Working independently has helped me to make decisions on what needs to be done to overcome any present or potential issues without needing to ask others. I can now accurately interpret drawings to complete jobs correctly.”
This level of confidence and self-sufficiency is a sign of how far he has come since starting his apprenticeship.
Advice for New Apprentices
With four years of experience under his belt, Jack has some valuable advice for those just starting their journey:
“Don’t be scared of making mistakes. Getting something wrong and then receiving guidance on where you went wrong and how to fix it is a big part of learning and will make you better in the future.”
It’s a reminder that every mistake is an opportunity to improve, and apprentices should embrace the learning process.
What’s Next?
With his apprenticeship coming to an end, Jack is already thinking about further qualifications and career progression:
“After I complete my apprenticeship, I would like to go on to gain additional qualifications such as the City & Guilds Inspection & Testing.”
At UKE, we’re committed to supporting our apprentices beyond their initial training, helping them to continue growing their skills and advancing in their careers. We’re incredibly proud of how far Jack has come and can’t wait to see what he accomplishes next.
Looking to Start Your Career in Electrical Engineering?
If you’re interested in gaining hands-on experience and a solid foundation in the electrical industry, find out more about our apprenticeship programme at UK Electrical Installations.