Qualified Apprentice Site Operative
We’re recruiting for our next cohort of apprentices who will work on our exciting projects and help shape the UK’s path to net zero. Adam Baldwin has just completed his apprenticeship and has become a fully-fledged HIU Engineer for London and the South.
We asked Adam a few questions about how he found his apprenticeship, the highlights, any challenges he faced, his career aspirations, and more.
How have you found your apprenticeship?
My apprenticeship with Vital has been very good and has taught me a lot about work ethic. I’ve also learnt that if you want to get anywhere or achieve anything, you have to work hard and stick with the process.
What was the highlight?
Personally, one of my highlights is getting the apprenticeship opportunity in the first place! I was looking for so long, and when Vital finally gave me the chance I was over the moon. My biggest highlight from during my apprenticeship is probably getting to know the capital and visiting different parts of London - we cover lots of sites throughout London, so I get to see some cool things.
What was the support from Vital like?
The support from Vital was really good, particularly throughout the pandemic when there was so much uncertainty. My manager James and my supervisor Phil were always on the end of the phone or in the site office if I ever needed a chat or some guidance.
How did your apprenticeship help you decide on the role of HIU engineer?
After chatting to colleagues, I realised that HIUs are the future, and so this is the route I wanted to take. Being a young guy, there’s no better time to get started in this industry because in 5-10 years’ time, HIU engineers will be in high demand.
What was the biggest challenge?
The biggest challenge for me personally has to be the long days on site in the winter, because it gets so so cold especially when you’re on the 25th floor of a building without any windows! But this helped to build my grit and determination to succeed.
Now you’ve completed your apprentice, looking back, what piece of advice would you give to someone starting out?
TRUST THE PROCESS! So many people start an apprenticeship and get halfway through, and then quit. Yes, it’s going to be difficult, but believe me it’s worth it, as that qualification will stay with you for life and will give you a lot of freedom in the future.
What are your career aspirations?
I would like to continue learning as much as possible about HIUs and hopefully one day venture into a managerial role.
We’re recruiting for new apprentices from across the country to start in September 2022 for the following programmes:
Building Services Craft Apprenticeship
Building Services Technical Apprenticeship
Business Admin Apprenticeship
