News

Nineteen-year-old Jonathan McArdle is the 2000th apprentice to join the UK’s electro-technical sector through EDA Apprenticeship Plus, the organization behind the apprenticeship service for members and affiliates of the Electrical Distributors’ Association (EDA).

Jonathan is combining on-the-job training at Edmundson Electrical Ltd’s Middlesbrough branch, with studies on the Trade Supplier Level 2 apprenticeship standard, created by wholesalers for wholesalers in an initiative led by the Electrical Distributors’ Association.

Nurturing new talent

Profit Centre Manager, Dan Harper, explains why the service offered by EDA Apprenticeships Plus is so impressive.

“The excellent quality of candidates who came to interview meant that I decided to take on two apprentices”, he explains “Chloe Warpole, aged 21, joined us too and both are a fantastic addition to the team.

“Apprenticeships are a terrific way to nurture new talent in the sector and I’ve used the service offered through our trade association, the EDA, for a number of years. What Jonathan and Chloe are currently missing in product knowledge is made up to us through their effort and attitude to work. They are always polite and well-presented and the customers, as well as the rest of the team, have really taken to them.

“As part of their studies, Jonathan and Chloe are also currently studying one of the modules in the EDA Product Knowledge Programme, giving them more confidence when serving customers. I see great futures ahead for them both with the company if they continue to apply themselves in the manner that they are currently showing us.”

Ambition

Jonathan and Chloe were keen to share their experiences as apprentices.

“I have learned a lot, not only about sales, but how a professional business is run and different areas I could see myself working in the future once I complete my apprenticeship,” explained Jonathan, adding “I hope to progress one day to become a sales representative for Edmundson Electrical”.

Chloe added,

“It’s taught me a lot of new skills as well as learning about electrical products. I am loving my time at the Middlesbrough branch and my new co-workers are all very helpful and so lovely to work with. I am hoping to become a sales representative or maybe one day a manager “

Career potential

Account Manager for EDA Apprenticeships Plus, Louise Sugars, explained

“We are delighted to have recruited and placed the 2000th apprentice with Edmundson Electrical Ltd. They are a long-term partner and supporter of the service, and we have been working together since 2011. The career opportunities they offer apprentices who are keen to learn and progress are fantastic.”

John Henry, Managing Director at EDA Apprenticeships Plus confirmed,

“The fact that this is the 2000th apprentice in such a short space of time is justification that the levy can work when used correctly.

“We have demystified the access to apprenticeships at all levels on behalf of members of the EDA,” he said. “This is merely a matter of addressing and understanding the emphasis on the employer taking control without fear of the entirely manageable means to accessing the considerable benefits under the reformed apprenticeship agenda.

“We are engaging apprentices in all areas of the businesses we work with, not only in core areas, but also accountancy, IT, marketing and management courses. This is another example of how to use the levy to the best effect and make the most of your company’s greatest investment – in its people.”