Stuart Hall – Electro Technical apprentice

Name: Stuart Hall
Age: 22
Apprenticeship: Electro Tech
Employer: Williamson Hall Contractors

What made you decide that an Apprenticeship was the right option for you?

I’ve always been good with my hands and I wanted to get straight into work. When I left school I really didn’t want to sit around in a classroom, I wanted to get my hands dirty straight away.

How did you find an employer?

I’d been working with a friend who was in the trade. He was a doing up his conservatory and I was helping him with the electrics. He saw that I was interested and he thought I could do well in the trade. He’d seen the Apprenticeship offer at Newcastle College and suggested I sign up.

What day-to-day jobs do you perform?

First fix, that’s the prep work like installing containment and wiring, and second fix, that’s installing sockets and fittings. I’m working as a sub-contractor on the refurbishment of Wansbeck Hospital at the moment; we are refurbishing the café there.

What are your career ambitions?

Well I’ve achieved my first one, having my own business. I suppose the next step is to develop it successfully.

What would you say to individuals that were considering Apprenticeships as a way to develop their career?

I’d really recommend and Apprenticeship to anyone who wants to get into learning a trade. But you have to pick the right one! It’s important that you choose something that interests you and that you are prepared to work hard at because it’s not an easy option.

What advice would you give to people that are looking to find an employer to put them through an Apprenticeship?

Have the right kind of attitude, show that you're willing and have confidence. Don’t stand around with your hands in your pockets.

Our business will definitely take on an apprentice when the time is right. I can’t think of a better way to learn a trade than doing an Apprenticeship.