NICEIC Area Engineer, Jack Howes on the value of his apprenticeship and how trade skills give you the confidence to progress your career whilst giving you something you can always come back to
Debbie Shields | Communications Manager
The start of the apprenticeship
Jack was fast approaching finishing school and was still unsure about what he wanted to do next. With many of his friends already doing an apprenticeship, Jack had the upper hand with an understanding of what an apprenticeship entailed and some of their benefits. A big driving factor for Jack enrolling on an apprenticeship was his dad.
“For me, I had two paths I could go down, either do an apprenticeship and get into a trade or go down the IT and communications route, as this is what my dad did. However, it’s the advice that my dad gave me that helped me make the decision for me. He explained that you can use an apprenticeship to build a future, but you also have the option to explore other opportunities and still have the skills of your trade to fall back on. Plus, they are skills that you can use around the world.”
Jack says he sent his CV to "every relevant business he could find." At the height of the recession in 2008, Jack started his apprenticeship journey at a local company. Two years later, he moved companies and restarted his apprenticeship. It was here he stayed for a few years, working on a variety of projects.
What happened next
After exploring a new challenge in telecommunications, Jack came back into the industry and began his career at NICEIC where he is now an area engineer.
“My main role is to go out and assess contractors to ensure they are compliant with both our scheme and regulations. I absolutely love my job as every day is different. One day I could be at a residential project, the next will take you to a zoo. Based in London, 90% of electrical work is done by an NICEIC-certified business, so I have the privilege of visiting some really interesting projects.”
Next steps
“I want to be part of helping NICEIC impact the wider industry. I feel I do this in a small way already with my work with NICEIC-certified businesses. And I would like to say I’ve been a part of something to improve the industry.”
Jack’s advice
“You may know already that you want to go into a trade, but if you don’t, then the trade route is a fantastic option. An apprenticeship gives you the opportunity to get the experience and education at the same time, all while being paid. You’ll learn core skills that will never leave you. So, if you decide to explore other careers, you can come back to your trade at any time or place, as the skills can be taken around the world.
“The electrical sector is only going from strength to strength, especially with green energy and emerging technologies. There’s such a broad, diverse range of areas you can go into under the umbrella of electrics.
“However, the industry is still heavily weighted towards young males, so I’d love to see this change. Although the industry has come a long way, I’d love to see more females seeing an electrical apprenticeship a viable route and in turn, being the role models for generations to come.”
Jack was fast approaching finishing school and was still unsure about what he wanted to do next. With many of his friends already doing an apprenticeship, Jack had the upper hand with an understanding of what an apprenticeship entailed and some of their benefits. A big driving factor for Jack enrolling on an apprenticeship was his dad.
“For me, I had two paths I could go down, either do an apprenticeship and get into a trade or go down the IT and communications route, as this is what my dad did. However, it’s the advice that my dad gave me that helped me make the decision for me. He explained that you can use an apprenticeship to build a future, but you also have the option to explore other opportunities and still have the skills of your trade to fall back on. Plus, they are skills that you can use around the world.”
Jack says he sent his CV to "every relevant business he could find." At the height of the recession in 2008, Jack started his apprenticeship journey at a local company. Two years later, he moved companies and restarted his apprenticeship. It was here he stayed for a few years, working on a variety of projects.
What happened next
After exploring a new challenge in telecommunications, Jack came back into the industry and began his career at NICEIC where he is now an area engineer.
“My main role is to go out and assess contractors to ensure they are compliant with both our scheme and regulations. I absolutely love my job as every day is different. One day I could be at a residential project, the next will take you to a zoo. Based in London, 90% of electrical work is done by an NICEIC-certified business, so I have the privilege of visiting some really interesting projects.”
Next steps
“I want to be part of helping NICEIC impact the wider industry. I feel I do this in a small way already with my work with NICEIC-certified businesses. And I would like to say I’ve been a part of something to improve the industry.”
Jack’s advice
“You may know already that you want to go into a trade, but if you don’t, then the trade route is a fantastic option. An apprenticeship gives you the opportunity to get the experience and education at the same time, all while being paid. You’ll learn core skills that will never leave you. So, if you decide to explore other careers, you can come back to your trade at any time or place, as the skills can be taken around the world.
“The electrical sector is only going from strength to strength, especially with green energy and emerging technologies. There’s such a broad, diverse range of areas you can go into under the umbrella of electrics.
“However, the industry is still heavily weighted towards young males, so I’d love to see this change. Although the industry has come a long way, I’d love to see more females seeing an electrical apprenticeship a viable route and in turn, being the role models for generations to come.”
