Getting qualifications and career development attracted Jack to apprenticeship opportunity

Jack Barnett, 19, dives into his apprenticeship after discovering his passion to do a trade.

As an alternative route to gain qualifications and kick start his career, Jack who lives in Plymouth, has found a passion in training to be a gas engineer with LiveWest after wanting to get into trades after leaving school.

Gas apprentice for LiveWest, Jack Barnett, said: “I went to secondary school and then after that I did A levels as my post GCSE. I didn't go to college or anything.

“And then during that, I worked part time in McDonald's, afterwards I worked at a sports centre part-time also”

“I always wanted to be an engineer. I just think there's so many benefits that you get from doing an apprenticeship that you don't get if you go to university because university is usually the thing you follow, especially after A levels.

“I think being paid while you work, learning and getting your qualification is really great.

The National Apprenticeship week campaign, started on 10 February, and continues to bring into focus the important work being carried out by employers and apprentices across the country.

Having only been in the job four months, Jack is finding meeting other people in the industry and learning so much in such a short time incredibly rewarding.

Jack said: “Instead of getting into loads of debt, you are working with different people, getting sense of proper workplaces.

“I don't think you can fake that and also just to get the hands-on experience, the onsite experience, I think it's invaluable. I think a lot of employees look for that nowadays.

“Communication from my supervisor's been really clear. And then my apprentice mentor has been really good to me. He let’s me get on, he always answers questions if I need it, whether I'm confused inside or outside of work.

“I think when you're leaving school and you go into the apprenticeship, especially with a big company, it can be quite overwhelming.

“I've really enjoyed it. I've really enjoyed the people I've met, the jobs I've been doing. I wouldn't go back.

Jack feels with an apprenticeship you can get the benefits of earning while you gain qualifications and that was a big factor in him going for a practical career rather than going for further study.

Jack said: “I think 100% if you're looking at setting yourself up for a career and what area you sort of want to go into before you leave school, I think the apprenticeship's the right way to go.

“If you want that university experience because that's a big part of why people go, that's fine. But I do think if you know what you want to do and you want to get your career set, I think the apprenticeship is the best option.

“The main goal at the end of the apprenticeship is to get my qualification. I think from there, I'm taking it one step at a time, get my qualification and then and do my best on the job so see where it takes me.

“I'd say I love it. I look forward to work every day.”