As part of National Apprenticeship Week 2025, we’re celebrating apprentices who are gaining valuable skills, growing in confidence, and building rewarding careers. We sat down with Oli Barnett and Morgan Luen at Walsall Electrical Gloucester, both Trade Supplier Level 2 Apprentices, to hear about their experiences, why they chose an apprenticeship, and what they’ve learned along the way.
Why Choose an Apprenticeship?
For both Oli and Morgan, the decision to pursue an apprenticeship came from wanting hands-on experience, a full-time job, and a solid career path.
Oli weighed up his options between university and an apprenticeship, and ultimately, the opportunity to earn while learning—without student debt—made the decision easy.
Morgan had been working in a restaurant but wanted something more stable with long-term career prospects. He saw the Trade Supplier Apprenticeship as an opportunity to gain skills in sales and customer service while working in a fast-paced environment.
“I wanted to learn, have a full-time job, and kick start a good career. I found this apprenticeship, applied, and never looked back!” – Morgan
Favourite Parts of the Apprenticeship
Both apprentices love the variety and structure of their roles.
Oli: “The people I work with are a massive factor. Everyone is lovely, and no two days are the same. The variety keeps it exciting.”
Morgan: “I love working in the warehouse—organising van routes, seeing what’s coming in and out. You can clearly see how everything operates, which is really satisfying.”
The mix of warehouse operations, customer interaction, and behind-the-scenes business knowledge makes every day different, helping them develop skills in multiple areas.
How Has the Apprenticeship Helped in the Workplace?
Apprenticeships offer more than just work experience—they build confidence, improve organisation, and develop communication skills.
Oli: “The first three months were really hands-on, then I moved into the office. I’ve gained experience in quoting, customer service, and organisation. My confidence has grown massively!”
Morgan: “The support here is incredible. I can ask questions whenever I need to, and I never feel like I’m just an apprentice—I feel like part of the team.”
Having a supportive environment and mentors like Liam (Branch Manager) has helped them both settle in and thrive.
“Liam sent us a message after a really busy January saying how proud he was of us—that meant a lot!” – Morgan
The First Day Jitters—Were They Scary?
Oli: “Yes! I was so scared on my first day, but the team was so welcoming. Having good people around makes a huge difference.”
Morgan: “It was obviously nerve-wracking, but not as scary as I expected. Everyone encouraged me to ask as many questions as I needed.”
Both apprentices agree that a supportive and friendly workplace makes all the difference in settling into a new role.
Biggest Achievements
Oli: “I’m proud of how much I’ve grown in confidence and how I can now handle customer interactions with ease.”
Morgan: “One of my proudest moments was when I went out and approached a new customer who ended up creating an account with us! I even spent a day visiting local businesses to bring in new customers—it’s so rewarding when it pays off.”
Apprenticeships push you out of your comfort zone, but they also provide opportunities to prove yourself and see real results from your hard work.
Why Do You Recommend an Apprenticeship?
Both Oli and Morgan strongly believe apprenticeships are a fantastic alternative to university.
Oli: “If you don’t know what you want to do but want solid experience and a good career foundation, an apprenticeship is the way to go.”
Morgan: “You learn so many life skills that you wouldn’t get at uni. You grow up fast, and you become a valuable part of a team where people rely on you.”
Most Challenging Part of the Job?
Oli: “At first, I was quiet and didn’t ask many questions, but I quickly learned that confidence comes with time.”
Morgan: “Talking to customers was intimidating at first, but I’ve improved massively. No one knows everything from day one—knowledge comes with time!”
Challenges are part of the learning experience, and apprenticeships help develop resilience, confidence, and problem-solving skills.
What’s Next After the Apprenticeship?
Both apprentices have big plans for the future!
Oli: “I’d love to go travelling, but I know that when I come back, I’ll have the skills and experience to get a job in this industry.”
Morgan: “I’d love to stay in warehouse operations and work my way up to an Account Manager, then Assistant Manager, and hopefully one day Branch Manager—just like Liam, who’s an amazing role model.”
The skills gained in an apprenticeship provide endless career opportunities, whether in the same industry or beyond.
Final Thoughts
Oli and Morgan’s experiences highlight why apprenticeships are such a valuable way to start a career:
· Hands-on experience in a real work environment
· Support from mentors and colleagues
· Opportunities for progression
· Confidence-building through real responsibilities
· A career path with no university debt
· And of course… a qualification!
Whether you’re considering an apprenticeship or just starting your journey, take inspiration from Oli and Morgan—hard work, a great attitude, and a willingness to learn can take you far!
Interested in an apprenticeship? Get in touch with us today!
The ATA Team
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