Age no barrier to apprentice success

It’s the tenth National Apprenticeship Week this week, and one of our apprentices says he’s proof that the scheme isn’t just for school or college leavers.

Michael Broadhead, 28, was working in the renewable energy sector, installing solar panels and biomass generators, when he decided to apply for an apprenticeship with us.


Our apprentice Michael Broadhead.

“I was worried I’d be the oldest on the course but I needn’t have been,” he said. “There’s a broad range of ages and the way the process is set up meant we built good bonds with each other from the beginning.

“In my previous job I occasionally worked with people from WPD and I’d always been struck by how they presented themselves and how highly they talked about the company.”

Michael, who works as a Fitter, joined us in September 2015. His apprenticeship has included a 13-week initial training programme and studying for City & Guilds Level 2 Maths – he’s taken up the option of continuing to Level 3. He hopes to complete his apprenticeship by the end of 2017.

He added: “I only saw the advert on Facebook the day before the closing date so I had to fill out the application as quickly as possible and drive it to the offices. I’m glad I did – this is a job that isn’t boring or repetitive and where you are continually learning.”

Click here for more information about WPD’s apprenticeships