To celebrate the start of National Apprenticeship Week 2024, we took the opportunity to interview two of our talented young apprentices, Katie Munro (2nd Stage Electrical Apprentice) and Ronan Chesney (3rd Stage Electrical Apprentice). Working within our Muir of Ord and Cumbernauld facilities respectively, both Katie and Ronan have shared some valuable insights into what an RSE apprenticeship involves, including the aspects that they particularly enjoy and any challenges that they may face in their day-to-day roles.

Q1. What does your typical day working for RSE look like?

“Typically, I carry out tasks that have been assigned to me by my tradesman supervisor for the day. I work in the install squad, meaning it is normally capital projects I work on. I am generally given the responsibility to get on with my work and whenever I require assistance there is always help available”. – Ronan

“When I’m working, it will either be workshop-based or site-based, giving me lots of experience of seeing projects at a variety of different stages. When working, I use the skills and information I have learned at college and put them into practice. Every day is different and I’m always learning something new.” – Katie

Q2. What aspects of your job do you particularly enjoy?

“I like working alongside qualified electricians as well as other apprentices as I feel this helps me learn different skills and different ways of carrying out tasks. I have recently worked on a job in England which was the biggest job I’ve been involved with so far. I enjoyed it as it was a busy job with lots of people to work with, as well as being able to learn new skills.” – Katie

Q3. What is the most challenging thing about your role?

“Developing your own initiative I would say is the most challenging aspect of being an apprentice, as most of the stuff I do I will have learned not that long ago and putting it into practice can be challenging.” – Ronan

“I find that when learning new things in college it can be challenging, but when I get the practical experience of what I have learned it gives me a good understanding of the process and increases my confidence.” – Katie

Q4. How would you best describe your experience of completing an apprenticeship with RSE?

“So far in my apprenticeship, I feel like I’ve got to work with lots of experienced electricians all over the country and I am learning skills that I will use throughout my career as an electrician.” – Katie

“Before working at RSE, I worked in retail. The work here is very different to what I did before but a lot more rewarding in my opinion. There are lots more skills to be learned here compared to my last job which I think is what makes it rewarding.” – Ronan

Q5. What advice would you give someone considering the option of working in the Water Industry?

“Go into it with an open mind as it may well be very different from what you have done before. Despite that, you will learn many new skills, meet lots of new people, and have the opportunity to travel around the country on jobs. I would advise anyone thinking of an apprenticeship to consider RSE as an employer”. – Ronan

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RSE Apprenticeships

Our 2024 apprenticeship applications will be opening soon, so follow our social media to keep up to date with our apprentice opportunities and application process or contact [email protected] for more information.