9th February 2023

National Apprenticeship Week – Jake’s view

As National Apprenticeship Week progresses, we sit down again with Jake Parsell, our Southend-based apprentice, to discuss the importance of apprenticeship schemes, his final apprenticeship year at Perega and why these programmes provide an important career path for school leavers.

“I began my five-year civil engineering apprenticeship degree at the University of East London (UEL) in September 2018. Now, as I wrap up my final year, with an apprenticeship at Perega, I’m amazed how quickly the time’s passed. When I finish the programme this summer, I’ll have a Civil Engineering degree (BEng).

Once I have qualified, I will be aiming to complete my apprenticeship by finishing my end point assessment (EPA) by passing my EPA I will will be qualified to apply to become incorporated (IEng) with the Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE).

I knew pretty early on that studying for a degree full-time wasn’t for me, and I knew I wanted practical hands on experience to be a central part of my route into engineering. It’s been hard, but rewarding work, and developed from working one day a week at Perega during college to having the opportunity to join their apprenticeship programme at their Southend branch. This has enabled me to harness the skills and experience needed to safeguard my career aspirations.

It’s been an incredible experience to date, and felt like being in full-time work, with the added bonus of furthering my education while earning a living. At Perega, I’ve been able to establish strong relationships with the team and work with some of the country’s best civil engineers.

Furthermore, my apprenticeship degree has given me an early start on my professional accreditations, which will help me stand out from the crowd when looking for a full time role.

Unfortunately, apprenticeships aren’t currently regarded with the same prestige as going to university, and I hope this changes. I believe these schemes are the best way to safeguard your future professional prospects. Initiatives like National Apprenticeship Week are extremely important in educating people about their benefits, and the rewarding career paths they open up.

Opinions need to change, particularly in the education system, and that comes from schools and colleges advising students that the apprenticeship route is available to them. Even parents need a clearer understanding of the value of these schemes. Hopefully, with continued engagement at career fairs, we can help to change the narrative and celebrate the value and worth of undertaking an apprenticeship.

For more information, visit Perega’s “Engineering Apprenticeship Scheme” page.