We hear from a recently qualified female electrician about her experience with undertaking an apprenticeship and her recommendations for others that might be considering a career in the electrical industry.
Demi Whitehead, a newly qualified electrician and former JTL apprentice, is now employed by William Davis Homes, working across a range of housing developments, predominantly on second fixings.
Based in Derbyshire, Demi has excelled in her career through her dedication to her electrical apprenticeship qualification, which she started straight after leaving school, and now her current role.
Following the completion of her electrotechnical apprenticeship in 2023, Demi went on to achieve significant recognition by reaching the finals of World Skills SkillELECTRIC UK, along with eight other UK-based apprentices.
Kick-starting her career with a JTL apprenticeship, Demi commented: “My apprenticeship has allowed me to adopt a foundation of key skills, which I now apply to my day-to-day role as a qualified electrician.
“I would highly recommend an apprenticeship to anyone who is looking to get on the career ladder. You get lots of support from your employer, college and training provider too, all of which were vital to me completing my qualification.
“As an apprentice, you get treated very differently to full-time students. You go to college in four-weeks of block release, and you have to take it seriously as you’re employed and have a company to impress. You’re also getting paid while learning too, which is always a positive.”
Embracing the challenges
Demi embraced the challenges that were thrown her way during her apprenticeship, noting her struggles with the cold winters, especially in her first year on-site. Despite this, she has expanded her skills and achieved success, even winning Apprentice of the Year at William Davis Homes’ internal awards in 2021.
She explains: “William Davis Homes is the type of place where people will start their apprenticeship at 16 and stay on. I know one colleague who started as an apprentice and is still working here at the age of 62. “A lot of people think they have to do A Levels and go to university, but I’d endorse apprenticeships over anything.”
Demi is also keen to set an example for other females who are looking at starting a career in the trade industry, challenging any misconceptions around the suitability of the role.
Earlier this year, for National Apprenticeship Week, Demi shared a ‘day in the life’ video across JTL’s social media channels to demonstrate her typical day as a qualified apprentice and to shed light on the rewarding nature of the qualification.
She says: “I always wanted to go into the trades. When I was younger, I used to go to work with my grandad as a builder and lay bricks with him. He would send me off to do little jobs and I really enjoyed the hands-on side of it.”
Demi’s story shows her resilience and commitment to embracing every opportunity presented throughout her apprenticeship, providing inspiration to aspiring apprentices, school leavers and professionals alike.
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