National Apprenticeship Week – Callum Dale
To celebrate National Apprenticeship week, we’re speaking to some of our apprentices to find out a bit more about their experiences, and to get an insight into their role at Intelect.
Here, we’re speaking to Callum, who originally started at the company through a school work experience placement. Now a few years on, Callum is in the third year of his apprenticeship and this is what he had to tell us…
Name and apprenticeship
Callum Dale, Apprentice Electrician – 3rd year
What did you aspire to be when you were younger?
When I was younger, I always wanted to be a footballer.
Can you tell us a bit about your apprenticeship and what you do on a day-to-day basis?
On a day-to-day basis I complete a variety of tasks, however I’m largely based in the panel department, so I’m usually building and wiring bespoke panels alongside a team of other engineers.
How is your time split between hands on learning and theory/college?
In the first two years of my apprenticeship, I split my time 50/50 and spent half of it at Middlesbrough College and the other half on site at Intelect. Now I’m in my third year I no longer attend college, so all of my time is spent getting hands on experience.
What do you like most about your apprenticeship?
The three things that I enjoy most about my apprenticeship is being able to build projects from scratch, all of the problem solving that comes with that process, and the fact that there is always more to learn within my role.
What’s been your biggest challenge so far in your apprenticeship?
My biggest challenge was going on site for the first time, but you’re always with someone who’s experienced so it’s a great learning opportunity.
You were initially introduced to the Intelect team via work experience, do you think this helped to give you an insight into the industry and steered you in the direction of an apprenticeship?
I definitely think the experience helped me when it came to choosing an apprenticeship, as it gave me a brief insight into what the job would be like and I realised that I really enjoyed it. I would highly recommend completing work experience if you’re given the opportunity.
What advice would you give to other young people who are thinking about completing an apprenticeship?
Go for it. In my opinion and for my circumstances it’s a much better option than the likes of university, as you can earn a wage while learning your trade.
Do you have any future career aspirations for when you’ve completed your apprenticeship?
I’m really interested in programming and automation so I’d like to look into specialising in this more in the future.