Get to know our 500th Apprentice
Jack Steel from Cadent Gas is the 500th apprentice to successfully complete their end-point assessment on new trailblazer standards with Energy & Utilities Independent Assessment Service (EUIAS). We thought we’d get to know Jack a little better and ask him about his career path and apprenticeship.
So Jack, what do you do and where are you based?
Currently I am working as a First Call Operative having just finished my apprenticeship. I am based in Grimsby but operate around Lincolnshire.
What parts of the job do you enjoy most and find rewarding?
I enjoy the unpredictability of the job and meeting new people everyday. No day is the same which makes it exciting. The most rewarding part of my job is knowing that when I leave a job it is 100% safe compared to when I first enter the property.
Why is your role important?
My role is important as we are at the forefront of safeguarding life and property from gas escapes.
What did you do before your apprenticeship?
Before I started this job role a couple of years ago, I did three years at college/university studying mechanical engineering. Before that I was playing football for Grimsby Town Football Club academy where I aspired to become a professional footballer.
What path did you use to get to the position you hold today?
I was part way through higher education on the route to completing a degree when I applied for this apprenticeship. I decided to change path from higher education because I believe that learning on the job whilst getting paid for it would be the better career option for me.
What attracted you to join the energy and utilities sector?
I switched from mechanical engineering to join the energy and utilities sector because of the job security in the fact that we will always be needed. When I researched the sector the engineering side of the job attracted me and of course the benefits of working for the biggest gas distribution company in the country.
What do you think of the career prospects?
Cadent is a company that gives its employees chances to move into higher technical and management roles. These roles will interest me in the years to come as I continue to gain experiences on the tools.
Would you recommend your job to a friend and why?
I have done and will continue to recommend this job to friends as I believe an apprenticeship is the best way to learn a job role and to get paid for it at the same time. I am thoroughly enjoying my job and long may that continue!
For more information on end-point assessment, including how to appoint, click here.