Case Study

We Spoke To Zack - Gas Engineering Operative Level 3 Apprentice

  • Person

Zack - Year 2 Apprentice

Who is your employer, and what does the company do?
I M Dunkerton Plumbing & Heating Ltd – we are specialists in all aspects of plumbing, gas boilers, and central heating for corporate and domestic clients.
What year of your apprenticeship are you in, and what apprenticeship programme are you on?
Currently in my second year of the Gas Engineering Operative apprenticeship.
What motivated you to apply for an apprenticeship, and how did you first hear about this opportunity?
I was working for another plumbing company for a while, and they weren’t very encouraging on progression. My brother is in the trade and told me of an opportunity with Dunkerton’s. After just three months of being with Dunkerton’s they suggested an apprenticeship where I could attend a gas training course. Being a slightly older apprentice than your average, I was still very motivated, and they enrolled me with Steve Willis Training Centres.
What has been the most rewarding or enjoyable part of your apprenticeship so far?
Doing an apprenticeship has really boosted my confidence, the more I have been learning and able to put into practice because of my apprenticeship, the more confident I have become. I have also met some great people, and I have a company van! The apprenticeship style of learning is really good, as I come into the training centre for a full day and will learn something new and then take away with me and put into practice at work under the guidance of my work colleagues.
Can you share your experience with Steve Willis Training? How has it supported your learning and development?
From my experience this has been the best college I have attended, the best support and encouragement, made some new friends and have been treated as an equal. I have also been doing my portfolio on everything I have learnt and have completed, the support at Steve Willis Training is really good. Gaining knowledge at the training centre and applying practically in my work works well for me. It’s really interactive in the classrooms, we have good discussions about best work practice with peers and then I am able to put in practice with guidance from my teachers. The teachers are fantastic, especially Max, we get on really well as I am an older apprentice, and Max is about the same age as me! I couldn’t recommend Steve Willis Training more highly, it has been a great experience, from induction and through to learning, the process is made easy by the whole apprenticeship team. Doing an apprenticeship is a much better way of learning, than online.
What new skills and knowledge have you gained during your apprenticeship, and how do you apply them in your work?
As well as all the practical learning, it has really helped me with customer relations. Max has given me great direction on how to talk to and explain things to customers, walking them through the job I am doing for them. This has really helped build my confidence in my communication skills. My goal for the next 5 – 1- years is to complete heat pump installation and commissioning training, followed by other renewable energy courses. I am with a very good company and have a lot of loyalty to them.
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