ICOM celebrates apprenticeships for ‘National Apprenticeship Week’ #NAW2015 National Apprenticeship Week (NAW2015) - takes place from 9-13 March 2015, and is designed to celebrate apprenticeships and the positive impact they have on individuals, businesses and the wider economy. Supporting the event, the Industrial and Commercial Energy Association, ICOM, will be showcasing a series of real life apprenticeship career profiles. The profiles demonstrate how an apprenticeship can provide; qualifications, career progression, excitement and crucially the experience and opportunity to work in a real life environment.
Meet James. Name: James Lynn Type of apprenticeship: Engineering / Fabrication Year started/completed: 1970-1975 Current position: Works Manager at Cochran Ltd 1.
What encouraged you to do an apprenticeship in your chosen field?
As a fifteen year old I had no real idea what an apprenticeship entailed, but Cochran being our town’s biggest employer captured my interest.
2. What are the most important skills your apprenticeship has taught you? The importance of listening, not being afraid to ask questions, becoming an effective communicator, & ultimately passing on my skills to others. 3.
What opportunities has your apprenticeship provided you with?
As a young man in my early twenties I was given the opportunity to undertake my first supervisory role, various other progressive moves have culminated in me becoming works manager for the last nine years. 4.
Could you describe what your typical working day entails?
In my role I am responsible for product manufacture on site, this involves coordinating the flow through the shops with my supervisors, and ensuring information, materials, & resource are available as required. I am also responsible for health & safety within the manufacturing facility. I also play a role in supporting other customer facing departments within the business. 5. What has been your proudest achievement or highlight in your working career? Achieving the role of works manager.
6. What advice would you give to young people unsure about an apprenticeship in your industry? Do not jump into anything without fully considering the depth of commitment required to undertake what would possibly be a four year journey filled with milestones which must be achieved, this will require hard work & commitment which will lead to success in your chosen trade.
Ends For further information contact: -Jo, jo@eua.org.uk, 01926 513728. www.eua.org.uk www.icom.org.uk Note to editors: The Industrial & Commercial Energy Association, ICOM, is a member organisation working to engage in all aspects of energy related business activities, working closely with government, non-governmental offices, research establishments and industry trade associations towards a greener future. ICOM is a division of the Energy and Utilities Alliance (EUA).