NIAW2023: Ben Ford Passing on the Energy to Electrical Apprentices

A SERC lecturer who started his electrical career with an apprenticeship is keen to share his energy for a career in the electrical industry with the next generation during NI Apprenticeship Week 6 – 10 February 2023.

Following A-Levels, Ben Ford, (Annacloy) came to further education to pursue a career in Electrical Installation in what is now SERC’s Downpatrick Campus. He said, “After completing my apprenticeship and gaining a Level 3 NVQ in Electrical Installation, I worked onsite in a variety of settings including domestic, commercial, industrial, agricultural, and medical facilities. I even worked under the River Lagan at one point, undertaking a variety of electrical works including panel refurbishment.  

“Throughout my career I have been involved in every aspect of electrical work from planning and design, logistics, installation, commissioning, fault finding through to inspection and testing, which I would say is my area of expertise having worked in many different facilities and building sites over the years  

He continued, “I had been involved in mentoring apprentices onsite for about 4 or 5 years before I considered moving into formal teaching in further education.   Currently I am involved in Apprenticeship, Traineeship and School Partnership programmes at SERC. It’s great to be able to share examples from my work experience which are often familiar to the students.   

“The electrical industry has always been progressive.  Regulations and qualifications are continually being updated and improved and to work in the industry, every employer and electrician must keep up to date with the requirements to work safely and legally. There has never been a more exciting time to get started in the sector, and I believe the next 10 years will see every electrical apprentice involved in the installation of  some kind of green technology, whether renewable energy technology, or an EV car charging port. It’s the reason why I am continuing to upskill with a Level 5 in Green Technologies at SERC.  

Asked about the best thing about teaching at SERC, Ben said, “I try to promote a relaxed learning environment for my students and it’s really good to see them enjoying the subject while making such good progress over the course of a year.   And having worked on building sites for so many years, it’s nice to be in a nice warm building with state-of-the-art facilities for both teaching and learning.  

Speaking about the apprenticeship route Ben concluded, “An education with practical skills gives any student a real advantage these days and I would certainly recommend the apprenticeship route.  Besides ‘earning whilst you learn’ there is the bonus of real life experience gained alongside your qualifications, and all before you leave college.”

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.