Supporting Aspiring Young Engineers
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early 2020
EArly 2026 newly AM2s certified
Ollie’s Apprenticeship Journey at JCW
At JCW, we believe in supporting people at every stage of their career journey, from first work experience placements through to fully qualified engineers. Investing in apprenticeships is a key part of that commitment, helping us develop skilled professionals while also supporting our wider community and creating meaningful career opportunities.
By nurturing talent from an early stage, we’re not only strengthening our workforce but also contributing to the long-term future of the building services industry. Apprenticeships offer a practical, hands-on route into engineering, giving individuals the chance to earn, learn and grow within a supportive environment.
A great example of this is Bristol’s Ollie, who earlier this year, completed his electrical apprenticeship and achieved his AM2 qualification, a significant milestone in any electrician’s career.
A varied start in the industry
Ollie joined JCW in early 2020, beginning his apprenticeship at a time when he was still exploring his career options.
“What surprised me most was the range of work we carry out and the variety of clients and sites we look after. That really appealed to me because I like being kept busy, and it helped me see how varied and interesting the building services industry can be. As an electrician at JCW, you also need a good understanding of other trades, as many jobs overlap.”
Before joining JCW, Ollie had completed a BTEC in Sport and initially considered a very different path.
“When I was younger, I spent seven years at Cardiff City Football Academy, so my dream was to become a professional footballer. Unfortunately, after two ACL injuries and knee surgeries in my teens, it became clear that football was no longer going to be my future.”
Recognising that a trade would offer variety and long-term opportunities, Ollie chose to pursue an apprenticeship, a decision he now sees as the right one.
Building confidence and capability
Over the past five years, Ollie has developed both his technical skills and confidence through hands-on experience across a wide range of sites and projects.
“My confidence has grown a lot because I have worked on a wide range of jobs for different clients, while also spending a lot of time on the road each day. Alongside my electrical qualifications, I have completed several internal and external courses with JCW, which have improved my commercial awareness and helped me work more safely.”
With support from senior engineers and regular exposure to real-world challenges, Ollie has progressed to a point where he now feels confident working independently as well as part of a team.
A milestone moment
Completing the AM2 assessment marks the transition from apprentice to fully qualified electrician, a moment that reflects years of hard work and dedication.
“The results came through by email at 8pm on a Saturday night. When I found out I had passed, I felt a huge sense of relief and pride. It is a tough assessment, and you know how much preparation and effort goes into it, so getting that result made all the hard work feel worthwhile.”
He celebrated the achievement the following day with friends, marking the end of a challenging but rewarding journey.
Taking the lead
Now fully qualified, Ollie is already stepping up and taking on greater responsibility. One standout moment was leading a large project at FedEx in Swindon.
“It was the first large job I managed and led successfully after becoming fully qualified, and we completed the work ahead of schedule and to a high standard. The project involved replacing around 140 lights across a large site using powered access equipment. It required strong organisation, communication, and time management.”
For Ollie, this project highlighted just how far he has come since starting his apprenticeship.
Guidance and support
Ollie’s development has been supported by his team, including his line manager, Julian, who has seen his progression first-hand.
“When Ollie first started, he was quite quiet and had limited practical experience with tools,” Julian explains. “Even so, he was always respectful and eager to learn. Over time, he’s developed quickly, not just in his electrical skills, but also in dealing with clients and managing his own workload.”
Julian notes that Ollie now plays an important role within the team, regularly receiving positive feedback for both his attitude and the quality of his work.
A key moment that demonstrated his progress was the same FedEx project:
“It was a good test for him due to the scale of the work and the need to complete it safely and within budget, all of which he achieved.”
A unique working relationship
Working together day-to-day has also required balance, particularly as Julian is both Ollie’s line manager and his father.
“Working with your son requires a careful balance. We’ve had our disagreements along the way, but we’ve found the right balance now and respect each other’s roles,” Julian says. “It’s been great to support him through his apprenticeship, and I’m very proud of what he’s achieved.”
Looking ahead
With his AM2 now complete, Ollie is already looking to build on his skills further. His next step is undertaking his 2391 inspection and testing qualification, which will allow him to carry out certification work, an important part of compliance and installation projects.
Advice for future apprentices
Reflecting on his journey, Ollie is clear about the realities of the role:
“An electrical apprenticeship is very hands-on, and no two days are the same. Some days are straightforward, while others are more challenging, like fault-finding under pressure. It can be tough at the start, but you learn quickly if you’re willing to listen and get stuck in.”
His advice is simple but effective:
“Stay patient, ask questions, and take every opportunity to learn. Being reliable, punctual, and having a good attitude will take you a long way.” and “You’ll learn far more in real-life situations than you ever could from theory alone!”
Investing in future talent
Ollie’s journey highlights the value of apprenticeships, not just for individuals, but for the industry as a whole. By investing in training and development, JCW continues to support the next generation of engineers while ensuring the skills and knowledge needed for the future are in place.
We’re proud to have supported Ollie throughout his apprenticeship and look forward to seeing his career continue to grow.
