Swindon believes in Looking Beyond when it comes to apprenticeships…

This week we’ve celebrated five of many apprentices who are learning their craft in various sectors throughout Swindon.

As National Apprenticeship Weeks comes to an end today, we urge our readers – whether they are employers, employees, parents, grandparents or young people – to consider apprenticeships as a fantastic route to a career. 

Apprenticeships allow a young person to develop skills in the working world while being paid. With the best companies they are supported and trained along the way while also being released to their college or apprenticeship provider to complete their studies. They will often be working towards an NVQ in their chosen field. 

Today we meet Ethan Beach, aged 19, who lives in North Swindon and who is a plumbing and domestic heating apprentice with local company Priory Heating. He started his apprenticeship with them in August last year. His apprenticeship is overseen by founder Liza Van Zyl (and business partner Ollie). 

What school did you attend?

Ethan - I was a student of  Highworth Warneford School which was a good school. However I’m a hands-on person and I knew that I wanted to be out and about and not stuck I a classroom all day. 

Why did you fancy an apprenticeship?

Ethan – a career sat behind a desk was not for me and I like to work with my hands. I’m studying at Swindon College and working towards a Level 2 apprenticeship in Plumbing and Domestic Heating. I feel as if I’m part of the working world while still learning and developing as an adult. 

How's it going?

Ethan - I just wanted the satisfaction from finishing a job and looking at it knowing that I have completed it in the real working world every day. I can see I’m making a difference to the clients we support.

Liza - it's going really well in the short space of time Ethan has been with us. He has already improved upon his knowledge and continues to learn on the job, updating his skills on a daily basis.  He’s fitted into our team really well and shares our work ethic, and we see him going from strength to strength.  

Why apprentices? 

Liza (and Ollie)  - We were both given the opportunity to have on-the-job training when we wanted to join the profession, and we wanted to give something back.  Oli started as an apprentice and the skills he received from his then-employer were invaluable.   It's great to be able to help a young person in our area and pass on the skills to build a career for not only his benefit but the benefit of the local community.   

What does Ethan bring to the business? 

Ethan is a great addition to the team and is also an extension of the business, someone we can trust, which is extremely important. Seeing someone grow into a tradesperson, with our input is extremely satisfying as an employer. He also increases our manpower capabilities, which can be critical on bigger jobs. 

For more information about Priory Heating visit https://www.prioryheating.co.uk