By taking on apprentice electricians, franchisees are making an investment in the future of both their own businesses and that of the young people they are investing their time into. The National Apprenticeship Service supports young people aged 16 or over to combine working with studying for a work based qualification.
Stan Barlow and David Freeman of Mr. Electric Cornwall are just two franchisees who have been taking on apprentice electricians to help out with electrical contracting work. Tazmin Thomas has been working with Stan and David and improving her skills to become a fully qualified electrical technician. Currently in her first year at Devon and Cornwall Electrical Training (DCET), Tazmin previously earned a triple distinction in business studies at Truro and Penwith College and decided that she would embark on a career as an electrical engineer. She’s now enjoying the wide range of work that Mr. Electric offers her.
‘I’m really enjoying the varying site experience that I’m getting with Mr. Electric. In my previous 18 months as an apprentice I was limited to mainly domestic work, however, I’m not knocking it! I feel incredibly fortunate to have been able to work in Truro Cathedral – it is a real honour and I’ve thoroughly enjoyed it,’ explains Tazmin.
‘I’ve also had the opportunity to work on two new build sites; one local to our offices in St. Agnes at in North Country with a really good bunch of people and also down at The Budock Vean Hotel near Falmouth. The MD Martin Barlow (no relative to Stan) is really pleased with us and wow, what a house! The houses we’ve been working on are just two of ten and the reaction from Martin’s clients has been extremely positive. We will be helping with phase two shortly.’
The electrical services market predicts growth of just over £2 billion to £20.6 billion in the four years up to 2018. Mr. Electric franchisees are positioned perfectly to take advantage of this growth using the huge benefits of their energy saving products to win new business and secure long term contracts and, in many cases, part of their expansion plans include employing apprentices like Tazmin.
Mr. Electric is part of the global franchising giant, The Dwyer Group and, as such, benefits from being seen as the go-to supplier of electrical services; appealing to domestic and commercial customers as well as household names such as The AA, B&Q and British Gas. Franchisees supply contractors for all aspects of electrical serving and maintenance work but have also become renowned for their innovative energy saving products that cut household bills and help businesses meet energy saving targets.
‘I aim to achieve all of my qualifications and be a very successful electrician. I really want to help customers achieve the vision in their mind’s eye, no matter what the scale. I’m a long way off that yet but I’ll do everything in my power to work to a high quality level and I’m sure I will get there! It’s a real pleasure to work with Mr. Electric and I’m proud to be part of the team.’
You can get more information about the Mr. Electric franchise opportunity by calling 01527 574 343, visiting www.mr-electricfranchise.co.uk and you can find out more about Apprenticeships by visiting www.apprenticeships.gov.uk
