WITH the tenth National Apprenticeship Week beginning next week, one of Western Power Distribution’s apprentices says he’s proof that the scheme isn’t just for school or college leavers.

Michael Broadhead, 28, was working in the renewable energy sector, installing solar panels and biomass generators, when he decided to apply for a Western Power Distribution apprenticeship.

“I was worried I’d be the oldest on the course but I needn’t have been,” he said. “There’s a broad range of ages and the way the process is set up meant we built good bonds with each other from the beginning.

“In my previous job I occasionally worked with people from Western Power Distribution and I’d always been struck by how they presented themselves and how highly they talked about the company.”

Michael, who works as a fitter, joined the company in September 2015. His apprenticeship has included a 13-week initial training programme and studying for City & Guilds Level two maths – he’s taken up the option of continuing to Level three. He hopes to complete his apprenticeship by the end of 2017.

National Apprenticeship Week runs from March 6 to 10.