Shining Bright: The Inspiring Journey of Chris Day and Mayday Electrical Solutions

Read more about Chris Day's career journey.

Photo of Debbie Shields
Debbie Shields | Communications Manager
As hundreds of students receive their A level results - NICEIC the UK's largest certification body for the building services industry is highlighting the benefits of apprenticeships as a lucrative and rewarding route.

For many, the traditional route of going to university route is not for them, and it's important to recognise the diverse range of pathways that lead to success. The electrotechnical industry, for instance, offers a fantastic alternative. This industry is at the heart of the race to net zero, brimming with opportunities.

In addition to its pivotal role in sustainability, the electrotechnical sector also boasts excellent salaries, with an average annual income of £30,000/year. Embracing such alternative paths can lead to fulfilling and lucrative careers that resonate with a broader spectrum of talents and ambitions.

Standing as a testament to success, is, NICEIC certified business owner and founder of Mayday Electrical Solutions, Chris Day.
At the age of 16, Chris found himself at a crossroads. Having not received the results he initially hoped for and unsure of his direction in life, he grappled with the common questions that plague many young adults - "What is my purpose?" and "What will I do for the rest of my life?". Despite these uncertainties, Chris' determination to find his motivation and make a meaningful contribution propelled him forward.

Rather than succumbing to self-doubt or societal pressures, Chris embarked on a journey and faced the challenges of entering the workforce. Undeterred by the obstacles, he entered the workforce at the beginning of the financial crisis of 2008 and had to take up odd jobs like gardening whilst he put all his efforts into finding an electrical apprenticeship.
During a search for apprenticeship opportunities, Chris uncovered his true passion - electrical work and became an apprentice at the age of 17. Becoming an apprentice not only introduced him to a new career path but also ignited a sense of purpose and self-confidence.

By 2013, Chris had transitioned into working as a NICEIC qualified supervisor for a commercial company in London. His time here served as a crucial period for better understanding the trade, refining his skills and further expanding his knowledge.
In 2017, armed with years of experience and expertise, Chris took the leap to start his own business - Mayday Electrical Solutions. This decision marked a turning point in his career, and now more than five years later his business is a resounding success and is now complete with an apprentice of his own.

Commenting on his career so far, Chris said: “I deeply sympathise with those who might not have achieved the results they were hoping for. However, it is not the be all and end all. Academic outcomes do not determine our paths in life, and I hope that my story can serve as a reminder of this and inspire others to not feel deflated and to turn those results into an opportunity.

“My business now employs apprentices, and I take a great deal of pride in helping young school leavers enter the trade and empathise how hard it can be to get a start with a firm. My business is actually recruiting for a 3rd apprentice to help manage the workload.
“My advice to anyone starting out or thinking about one day setting up their own business is to not be afraid and to just start. We all have to start somewhere. Work with an established team, learn as much as you can and when you’re ready to take that leap, go for it. There will be hard ships along the way, but navigating these challenges will only make you stronger as an individual and hopefully one day a business owner.”

Registered and accredited by NICEIC, Chris says that being a part of NICEIC has helped his daily operations from the beginning.
“Being supported by NICEIC is crucial for us. When we first started the business, it was important that we had a line of communication with someone who could assist us with things that we were otherwise unsure of. The support from NICEIC is second to none, it helps us bring in business and the brand recognition gives our customers confidence that they’re using someone who is thoroughly assessed.”

Chris' journey shows that you don't have to follow set paths to succeed. Mayday Electrical Solutions stands as a testament to his unwavering dedication, perseverance, and the courage to pursue his passion. As young adults navigate the complexities of defining their futures, Chris' journey offers a guiding light – and demonstrates that every setback is an opportunity for a remarkable comeback.