George’s new career – Electrician Apprentice

My journey with Abri’s Employment Services began in August 2020 when I applied for the apprenticeship role, which is based on their Herbert Collins House development site in Mansbridge, less than a mile away from my home. At the time I was working full-time as a Retail Assistant, but was quickly becoming disinterested in the job and wanted something that would be more challenging and offer opportunities for progression.

Prior to working for Abri, my job had no clear career path and there were few prospects. Consequently, it felt like a dead-end job, and I felt stuck because my work hours meant it was extremely hard for me to attend interviews. Although I was grateful to have a job given the economic impact of the Covid-19 pandemic, I knew I needed a change. However, the pandemic had led many people to lose their job making the job market at that time extremely competitive.

When I saw the apprenticeship role advertised on the Abri website, I ensured my application was the best it could be and then begged my bosses to arrange my shifts so that I would be able to attend the interview should I be selected. I was thrilled when I received a call from Gift Ngubane, the Employment Support Advisor (ESA) tasked with delivering the Employment Skills Plan for the Herbert Collins site, to tell me that I’d been shortlisted for interview. Gift organised the interviews and was present to put candidates at ease and ensure there were no technical difficulties between candidates and the interview panel. After a nervy interview, I was delighted to be offered the role. In a later conversation with Gift, he disclosed that 166 people applied for the role, so I was honoured to have been chosen.

Abri’s Employment Services helped me with sorting out documentation, registration, and all the necessary communication with Eastleigh College. They also provided me with a laptop to help me do my college work and the company’s mandatory training, and sorted out the funds for my course books. On my first day, Gift picked me up and took me to the office. He briefly showed me around the building, helped me get my PPE and then introduced me on to my line manager. In the early days Gift kept in close contact with me to help me settle in and with any minor issues that arose. As I was new to working in this environment, it was great having the team as additional support alongside my immediate team and this made my transition into the job relatively easy.

Often the Employment Services team helps people with a range of activities before a job application is submitted. For example, they may help with CV and cover letter writing, employability training, confidence building and to access other training or support. However, I started receiving their support at a later stage once my application had been received and I was invited for interview. After I was successful and began my role as an Electrician Apprentice, I started receiving in-work support from the team. Having a strong support network within Abri has contributed towards my success at college. As a result, I have continued into my second year, which not all of my peers have done, despite the challenging nature of my course.

Doing this apprenticeship has helped me develop as a professional. I’ve worked harder than ever before in my life, but as it’s something I enjoy, it’s made want to work even harder. I’ve met people who share similar interests as me and it’s great that I get to earn money as I learn, so I don’t have to worry about trying to balance studying and working full-time.