Zoe Newton - EDA Apprenticeships Plus (Electric Center)
NAW Case Study
I've been completing my Trade Supplier apprenticeship with EDA Apprenticeships Plus (Electric Center) for a year, and it's an excellent opportunity for anyone who wants to get into the world of skilled trades and get practical experience in the industry. Apprenticeships offer an effective replacement for traditional education, allowing individuals like myself to gain real-world experience and knowledge while receiving a monthly wage, as the need for skilled tradespeople only increases. My apprenticeship experience being a trade supplier, not only promotes professional growth but also provides networking possibilities, job security, and a clear path for advancement.
My days tend to look different each day as you can never predict what you’re going to be faced with. However, some of my key roles would include:
Serving on the trade counter – This is where I assist customers in-store, providing product information, processing orders, and handling transactions. This role involves direct customer interaction and product knowledge.
Warehouse roles – This includes managing stock in the warehouse, receiving, re-stocking shelves, picking and packing orders. This role ensures that the right products are available and being delivered on time.
Daily banking – This includes calculating all of the counter transactions and ensuring the amounts are all correct before being sent off to head office. This role is important due to it having to be completed daily, and be correct also.
I am interested in the operational side of the business, so I could progress into purchasing or supply chain management, where I would be responsible for sourcing products, managing supplier relationships, and ensuring stock levels meet demand. With a strong understanding of electrical products and the industry, I also would enjoy to move into sales or account management where I can build relationships with customers, manage key accounts and drive business growth.
Choosing an apprenticeship had several compelling benefits that made it an attractive option for me. Apprenticeships provide practical, real-world experience in a specific trade or profession, which is invaluable for building skills that employers are looking for. One of the most significant advantages of an apprenticeship is the opportunity to learn by doing. Unlike classroom-based education, where students often study theoretical concepts, an apprenticeship has allowed me to apply my learning in real-world settings. This experience is invaluable because it enables me to develop practical skills that are directly relevant to the work that I will be doing. This hands-on approach helps apprentices like myself gain confidence in their abilities and has prepared me for the specific demands of my future job.
I am able to support myself financially due to earning a wage, while acquiring skills and qualifications. An apprenticeship will provide me with qualifications that are recognised within my industry. This will increase my employability and open doors to career opportunities in the electrical wholesaling industry.
My apprenticeship has taught me many skills related to electrical systems, product selection, and industry best practices, which are essential for succeeding in the electrical wholesaling industry.
Product expertise is one example; I've learnt a lot about different electrical systems, tools, and components. A thorough understanding of the items aids customer guidance and order processing.
Problem-Solving Skills: Through close collaboration with experienced mentors, I have developed the ability to recognise problems quickly and provide effective solutions—a crucial ability in any technical or sales position.
Developing Relationships: Learning how to interact with customers, suppliers, and other business professionals would have one of the largest effects. The secret to long-term success would be communication and networking.
Industry insights: I have also been able to gain significant knowledge about pricing and industry trends through an apprenticeship, which is crucial for maintaining competitiveness in the wholesale market.
Ultimately, the combination of practical knowledge, problem-solving abilities, and industry connections would help me grow and thrive in the electrical wholesaling field.
Employers should offer apprenticeships for several key reasons, all of which contribute to the growth of skilled, motivated, and committed employees. First of all, apprenticeships allow organisations to train workers specifically for their business needs. Because of this specialised training, apprentices are assured to develop the precise skills required for the job, increasing their productivity and efficiency in their roles.
Apprenticeships are another way to increase employee loyalty. Apprentices are more likely to be kept over time by employers who demonstrate interest in them, which reduces turnover rates. Because of this steadiness, employers may avoid the never-ending cycle of hiring and training new staff.
Finally, apprenticeships can enhance an organisation's reputation as a leader in creating a positive work environment. Apprenticeship providers are often viewed as community-minded and committed to providing opportunities for young people or those looking to change jobs. Customers that value socially conscious businesses may show more loyalty to them as a result of their reputation, which may also attract talented workers.
In conclusion, apprenticeships are a win-win for both employers and employees. They allow companies to build a skilled, dedicated workforce, reduce hiring costs, and improve their reputation in the marketplace.
In summary, apprenticeships offer numerous benefits that make them an attractive option for many individuals. The hands-on learning experience, financial compensation, job security, and professional networking opportunities provide a well-rounded foundation for career success. Choosing an apprenticeship was the best thing I ever did, I’ve gained real-world experience by working directly in the industry, learning about electrical products, customer needs, and warehouse roles. This practical knowledge is, in my opinion, more valuable than classroom learning alone, it has given me a strong foundation for my future career. I work with the best people who have given me the chance to learn something new every day, from understanding different electrical components to how the supply chain operates. The hands-on learning process is exciting because I am constantly growing and improving my skills. As well as that, being part of a supportive team where I can ask questions and learn from experienced colleagues makes the work environment enjoyable.