Taylor’s love of STEM subjects led to an engineering apprenticeship with Wales & West Utilities.
Taylor Hoskins, 22 years old from Skewen is completing a three year Electrical and Instrumental Apprenticeship, that is a combination of studying at college and working on site.
Wales & West Utilities has been recognised as one of our Careers Wales’ Valued Partners for their work with schools in inspiring the future workforce.
Apprenticeship to full time employment
Taylor tells us more about her experience, in her own words:
“I preferred science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) when in school.
“When it came to work experience, I decided to apply to Wales & West Utilities to see exactly what happened in the real engineering world.
“My dad has always worked as a gas engineer, so I guess my exposure to this sparked an interest from a young age.
“I spent two weeks work experience following a group of engineers on site and loved every minute.
“Whilst everyone else at school was applying for college places, I knew I wanted a hands-on job.
“I applied for an apprenticeship with Wales & West Utilities so that I could develop new skills whilst still earning.
“I’m proud that I followed my heart to have a career that I truly love – I wanted more than to settle for just any job.
As an apprentice, no two days are the same and I’m working towards a qualification whilst being paid.”
Advice for future apprentices
Wales & West Utilities have more than 1,300 skilled staff, transporting gas to homes and businesses throughout Wales and the south west of England.
“The engineering industry presents many apprenticeship opportunities for men and women alike and I am glad that I wasn’t persuaded to stick to a more traditional career.
“I would encourage young people looking into apprenticeships to follow their interests and try and get as much work experience as possible.
“As a female engineering apprentice, I want to continue to work with schools and spread the message to other young girls that there are so many opportunities out there.”
If you’re currently in school and would like to explore your interests and opportunities with a careers adviser, please speak to a member of school staff who can advise how to book an appointment with the school adviser. You or your parent or carer can also call us free on 0800 028 4844, email post@careerswales.gov.wales or through live chat.
If you’re aged 16 or over and would like to explore your opportunities with a careers adviser, please contact the Working Wales team by calling free on 0800 028 4844, emailing workingwales@careerswales.gov.wales or through our live chat.
To look for apprenticeship opportunities, you can search and apply for these via our Apprenticeship Search facility.
