Elise

Elise's STORY

Apprentice Electrician, KH Engineering Services, a part of MGroupServices

Apprentice Electrician
KH Engineering Services, a part of MGroupServices

Elise is an Apprentice Electrician undergoing her second year with KH Engineering Services, a part of MGroup Services. Read more about Elise’s journey in the energy and utilities sector and her experiences as an apprentice.

How long have you been with KHES and what is your role?

I have been with KHES for just over a year and I am a second-year Apprentice Electrician. I assist the electrician with all installation works whilst learning along the way.

What inspired you to pursue a career within the rail sector, what interested you most about it?

I have always been interested in working in the electric industry and KHES work predominantly on the railway which has taken my interest to another level. To be able to do such a diverse range of electrical work at different stations has been amazing. How the earth and eddy current is affected by railway and what we do to prevent this problem really took my interest.

Why was an apprenticeship the right choice for you?

All training is provided for you and you are set up with an amazing plan to get you through your apprenticeship program to be able to achieve your qualifications. You earn a decent wage as you’re learning daily from experienced electricians/engineers who have years of knowledge. I believe that you wouldn’t be able to learn a trade such as this without being taught by someone with the appropriate knowledge and experience.

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All training is provided for you and you are set up with an amazing plan to get you through your apprenticeship program to be able to achieve your qualifications.

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What have you enjoyed most about your apprenticeship so far?

I have enjoyed meeting lots of new people and travelling to different stations and learning the history behind the stations. I love doing different installs. The thing I have enjoyed most is building up my knowledge and noticing myself getting more confident in the work I do every day!

And what are you most looking forward to?

I am looking forward to the day I am competent enough to go to site and work completely independently. I am also looking forward to fully qualifying from college and receiving my gold card!

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The thing I have enjoyed most is building up my knowledge and noticing myself getting more confident in the work I do every day!

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What support have you received since starting your apprenticeship? Do you receive regular appraisals and updates on your progress?

I have received lots of support from my work colleagues and managers. I am so grateful for the support I have received1 Everyone on my firm believes in me. Another big support has been from fellow electricians on my electrical lnstagram page, I get a lot of support and advice on there. I do have regular appraisals which helps me understand what I am doing well with and what I need to approve on. I also get regular updates from JLT (my apprenticeship training providers), checking my progress and how I am getting on.

Is there any opportunity for you to undertake any training?

I have already received the opportunity for many training courses. I have gained many tickets such as: PASMA, LADDERS, PTS, ECS and many more. These are all different training courses to enable me to use work equipment safely. ‘PTS’ (personal track safety) has allowed me to gain the knowledge to work safely on the railway and makes me aware of the risks associated with this. My ‘ECS’ (electrotechnical certification scheme) is a requirement to have as an electrician and an apprentice to enable you to work safely around/with electricity.

What challenges have you faced in your role, and how have you overcome them?

The biggest challenge I have faced would have to be the early starts and late finishes. Also, working night shifts were a struggle at first but once you get used to it, it’s absolutely fine. I still find that my strength can cause me issues but there is always a way to overcome it and as we work with a ‘buddy’ there’s always someone who can help you.