Apprentice 121 Podcast

I have a run through some of industrys free content and support for electrical apprentices and some of the best books to start out with.   Check it out and hope it helps!   https://www.the-esp.org.uk/  https://www.ecscard.org.uk/card-types/Apprentices-and-Trainees/Apprentice-Electrician  https://www.jib.org.uk/provider https://www.electricalcareers.co.uk/  https://www...

Richard joins me to explain his route into the electrical industry and path into becoming a lecturer. He gives some advice for those keen on following in his footsteps. We discuss some of the wide industry issues around training from apprenticeships to 2391/2396.  Richard has a wealth of knowledge and I loved chatting with him. We even got to find out he was mentored by the sparky super hero...

In this one we give an overview of RCDs from an apprentices point of view and look at the ongoing review to the apprenticeship standard. That will be coming forward for industry review very soon so keep an eye out and get involved.  I think this comes out fine on audio but for those watching sorry for the lag on my video. I am blaming the holiday wifi! #electrical #training #am2 #RCD #AMD2

I can not say how much I loved this chat with Eddie. Someone who has seen the industry top to bottom warts and all.  Eddie shares his insight and experiences primarily in controls, BMS and all the magic that goes into making commercial boiler systems work.  Eddie is also an apprenticeship hero who put into place the AM2 loan rangers board. If you are in the midlands area hit him and you...

How big is the electrical industry and where do you fit? Mark, Craig and Jamie chat about the huge range of work areas in the electrical industry. From instrumentation to renewables, robotics, design, wholesale, manufacturing, drawing and much more! Along with some tips for things to do over the summer ready for the new starters in September 2022! We have more areas than just industrial, commercia...

The wonderful Ceri Crannis joins Mark to discuss ways apprentices can stand out applying for job roles. This is particularly helpful for school leavers but has information for anyone really! Ceri's list will be available on the apprentice121 website www.apprentice121.co.uk later today and across social media. Let us know what you think in the comments! You can find Ceri on Twitter here https://twi...

Darren Oates and Bill Lockyer join Mark and Jamie to discuss NET and AM2. How it became a thing, how it works and how it is changed.  Plus we discuss tips on getting a successful outcome during AM2, the value in completing it and ensuring the process remains secret! Get involved with the comments and let us know what you think! City and Guilds webinars https://www.cityandguilds.com/apprentice...

James joins us to talk about his journey to qualified electrician now building towards running his own company.   I am joined by Craig, Jamie and Jamie's triangle to discuss this as normal.   James shares some golden tips for anyone going through an apprenticeship which are centred on graft, commitment and asking questions.   I really enjoyed this one and hope you wil...

We are back this week with James Barrett AKA https://www.instagram.com/jbelectrical_ox/  We discuss James route into the industry and his experiences teaching apprentice electricians.    I am joined by Jamie aka https://www.instagram.com/jamie_blatant_sparky/and Craig aka https://www.instagram.com/cb_electricaldesign/  We discuss AM2 and our views on those disclosing the secret...

Jamie and Craig join me to discuss some of the issues found in training for electricians.  We try to dig into what the solutions might be rather than just point out the problems.    Its really difficult but something we have to improve and pretty quickly imo.   Ceri identified her difficulties getting learners placed at a college recently and more of these questions come i...

Lawrence Harrington joins me and Jamie tonight sharing his story after over 20 years in the military! Lawrence is now a Royal Signals Power Engineer Training Analyst.    He shares his experiences finding work experience, completing his qualifications and work life in the military.   I loved this chat and Lawrence has some golden insight and tips for people moving from the milit...

Dan Bryant joins myself, Craig and Jamie to discuss the difficulties he has encountered trying to find the right place to begin his electrical training journey.  We cover things from local college support, CPS's and wider industry issues identifying who is the controlling voice! Join in the discussion as always and thanks again to Dan for jumping on the podcast.

Ceri Crannis from Crannis Technology Services joins me to share a recent experience hiring a couple of new apprentices from different back grounds/routes into the industry.   Ceri and the students have not had a brilliant experience and thankfully the ECA and others have helped to point them on the right path.   Ceri also gives insight into what employers are looking for in ter...

Mike Mason joins myself and Jamie to chat about his experience so far on the City and Guilds 2365 training route. We talk about his tips for those doing the same, what college has been like and how he is approaching finding site based work to complete his portfolio going forward.  We also discuss Mike's experience of his college and wider training challenges we see.   Huge thanks ag...

A run through some of my tips when applying for an electrical apprenticeship or trainee job role. This will also applying to most construction and wider world roles!   I hope it helps someone

I run through some tips on what to expect during an interview and how to give yourself the best possible chance of success. In particular focused at apprentices who might not have lots of experience applying for jobs.  We will discuss on the podcast as well soon and we have covered this on the earlier A121 podcast with Sam, Rick and Neil.   Hope it helps someone.

Aidan joins myself, Craig and Jamie this week to discuss his experiences via the traditional/hybrid electrical apprentice route. He is currently towards the end of the process and has loads of helpful feedback for those following.   We are on a journey around people taking routes towards qualified electrician status! Telling us why they choose the route they did, why others were not a op...

This is the first in a series of videos exploring peoples experiences and learning routes. From traditional apprentices, experienced workers and in this case an Instagram legend AKA Big Ash on his EAL adult re-trainee route.   Jamie joins me on this one as Craig was having his annual hair cut and could not make it. He will be back soon!  This is just chat sharing experiences and dis...

Myself Jamie and Craig discuss the options for those going through resettlement from a forces/services back ground into civilian work as an electrician.   Craig shares his experience having walked this path and Jamie speaks his reverse engineering of it while I ask the dumb questions!   Get involved with the comments and ask away if you have any questions. We will try to help #...

Craig Buist, Jamie Blatant and Mark Allison discuss the training requirements around the future prosumer installations. For both apprentices and more experienced electricians. Also with consideration for funding of colleges and employers.   We will build on this as we go on our own learning journeys and bring some experts in to chat with us.   Hope this is of help to others in...

The 18th edition of the wiring regulations was out today in AMD 2 format!  Mark Allison creator of apprentice 121 gives his day 1 reaction with Jamie Blatant and Craig Buist. Both lecturers and active in the industry everyday.   We will pick up in more detail as time moves along but I thins gives a nice and different take to some of the other content shared today.  For some gre...

Myself Jamie and Craig continue our mini series on 2391. This time focusing on the codes and some questions dropped in across social media regarding this hot topic! We cover the codes, recommended books, course costs, different types of 2391 and much much more. Hope you find it useful

Myself, Jamie and Craig are back to speak about the 2391 practical test/exam in episode 3 of this mini series.   We cover what to expect in the test centre, the process to follow and our best tips for a successful outcome.   Jamie and Craig are both lecturers and thanks once again to them for coming on to chat about this on the apprentice 121 podcast.   Jamie's video is here https:/...

EP2 of a new mini series about 2391 this time covering the all important exam and what you need to know.   Myself, Jamie Blatant and Craig Buist run through what the 2391 exam entails!   Jamie is a current lecturer and 20 year spark on the tools.    Craig is currently head of department at Waltham Forrest college and has over 20 years experience in the industry.    23...