Apprentice Spotlight: Jake Reade at 3 Line Electrical Wholesale

This month, we caught up with Jake, a Trade Supplier Apprentice at 3 Line Electrical, to find out what life’s really like as an apprentice from his go-to coffee order to how he’s grown since starting his journey with EDA Apprenticeships Plus.

Getting to Know Jake

Tea or coffee?

“Coffee every morning, no question!”

Go-to lunch?

“Steak and ale pasty a classic.”

If your team described you in three words?

“Hard-working, funny, and caring, I’m usually the first to help out.”

Hidden talent?

"I’ve got a background in music. I was in a band for a while after getting my first guitar at six.”

Life as an Apprentice

Before starting his apprenticeship, Jake’s career path looked a little different he’d worked in a butcher’s and even spent time plastering before discovering the world of electrical wholesale.

“I didn’t know anything about electrical wholesale before this,” Jake laughs. “It was a completely different world. I found this apprenticeship almost on a whim, and I’m so glad I did.”

Now, a typical day for Jake is busy and varied:

“I get in around 8am, grab a coffee, and start the day with deliveries. Later, I’ll help on the counter, check orders, and take telesales calls. Every day’s different that’s what I like about it.”

Proud Moments & Progress

When asked what he’s most proud of so far, Jake’s answer is refreshingly honest:

“Getting out of bed every morning and turning up to work on time! But seriously, I’ve built great relationships with customers. I enjoy making someone else’s day a bit brighter.”

He admits the start of the apprenticeship was “rough,” but he’s grown a lot since then:

“Coming from a music background, I had to start fresh. This job humbled me, you make mistakes, you learn from them, and it makes you stronger.”

His biggest inspiration?

“Ian, our delivery driver. He just gets on with things, even when they go wrong. Plus, he’s funny.”

Looking Ahead

Jake’s next big milestone is his End Point Assessment (EPA) in December and he’s determined to see it through.

“For now, I’m keeping my head down, learning as much as I can, and seeing what happens next.”

Would he recommend an apprenticeship?

“Definitely. The learning is fun, and you’re earning at the same time. The coursework actually ties into what you do at work, and it’s worth having that qualification at the end.”

Jake’s Advice for Future Apprentices

“Be yourself. When I first started, I had this fear of not belonging but once you get past that, everything becomes easier. Don’t be scared, live in the moment, and do your research before the interview. Just be you.”

One Word to Sum It Up?

“Exciting and sometimes challenging,” Jake says. “But I wouldn’t change it.”

Final Thoughts

Jake’s journey from music and butchery to the world of electrical wholesale shows how valuable apprenticeships can be not just for gaining qualifications but for building confidence, skills, and connections. His story is a reminder that the right attitude (and a strong cup of coffee) can take you a long way.