NIAW23 - Apprenticeship Route Should be First Choice Next Step says Jonny

A switch from business to fire systems proved the right course for Jonny Hamilton whose Apprenticeship qualifications are helping him combine travel with possible work experience in Australia. Ahead of NI Apprenticeship Week, the young man is keen to share why he believes an apprenticeship should be a ‘first choice next step’ rather than a ‘back up’ plan.

Jonny (22) from Bangor, who completed his Level 3 Fire Systems Apprenticeship in the middle of January to become a fully qualified fire and security technician, headed off to Australia the following week for a year on a working holiday visa. He said, “I am delighted to have successfully completed my apprenticeship through SERC and with my employer Atlas World.   The time has flown and completing the apprenticeship seemed the perfect opportunity to take a year out. Although I will probably take up casual work in Australia so I can travel about, it will be interesting to see what the fire systems industry is like on another continent.”

Following a month in Melbourne, Jonny will be meeting up with fellow Level 3 Fire Systems Apprentice and Atlas World colleague, Ronan McConnell, at the end of February, to explore the East Coast, taking in Sydney, Brisbane and Cairns.

Keen to dispel myths about apprenticeships Jonny added, “My advice to anyone who is considering moving on from school, is to do your research and make sure the apprenticeship route is one of your possible choices. Based on my experience, an apprenticeship should be positioned as a ‘first choice next step’ rather than a ‘back-up plan’. Hindsight is a wonderful thing, but I wish I had gone straight from school to an apprenticeship.   I have had the most amazing experience, learning from industry leaders, both in College and on the job, to taking part in competitions such as SkillBuild NI and WorldSkills, which introduced me to peers and industry professionals from across the UK. I have gained a sought-after qualification, valuable work experience and my essential ‘Gold Card’ - proof that I am fully qualified for the industry - and I completed without any student loan or any other debt.

The young man who took first place in the SkillBuildNI competition last June and secured a spot in the National Finals for WorldSkills UK - though unfortunately, he was unable to compete due to illness – said, “After my A-Levels at Bangor Grammar, I started a HND in Business, but it wasn’t for me. This followed a spell of employment in gardening and retail.   I knew I wanted to progress my qualifications and career options so after a bit of research, I found that the apprenticeship route afforded me the best opportunities. Although I was initially interested in becoming an electrician, when I discovered more about the specialist fire and security industry through SERC, I knew this was the perfect match for my qualifications, skills, interests and ambitions.”

He concluded, “I am looking forward to the next year and am confident that my apprenticeship and experience have put me on a career path where there are plenty of opportunities.”

SERC are hosting Have a Go Sessions for potential apprentices 4.30pm to 7.00pm at Lisburn Campus - Monday 6 February; Bangor Campus -Tuesday 7 February; Newtownards Campus - Wednesday 8 February, and Downpatrick Campus - Thursday 9 February.

Visit serc.ac.uk/NI-Apprenticeship-Week-2023 to unlock your future #BetterOffAtSERC.