For Gas Safety Week, online electricals retailer AO announces that it has introduced fully funded gas apprenticeships for the first time to both grow its fleet of qualified engineers and invest in training.
For the first time, the retailer has launched a fully funded apprenticeship aimed at upskilling both current employees and contracted drivers, which provides an accessible pathway to the Level 3 gas qualification. This runs alongside a new apprenticeship funded by the government levy, which is open to anyone with a full driving license.
Edward Knight first crossed paths with AO in 2018 when he was contracted for driver services alongside an electrical engineer. When this colleague announced he was leaving the business, Ed saw this as an opportunity to progress his own career in the industry. He said: “I moved onto being an electrical engineer for three years and then I was asked if I’d be interested in taking part in the gas apprenticeship.”
Before his career as a driver, Ed had pursued several different paths, including working as a chef in a hotel, working in a bakery and owning his own towbar fitting business. He’d always set his sights on an apprenticeship, however, the financial cost meant that this wasn’t an option until AO launched its funded apprenticeships. He said: “I’m really chuffed that I’ve had the chance to do it. I’ve been interested in training in gas for the last two years so this will open up new avenues for me.”
After a career at Gatwick Airport spanning 20 years, Jamie Taylor spent a year delivering for DPD before he crossed paths with AO. He had been contracted for driver services for around six months when the opportunity came up to do the gas apprenticeship via the retailer.
Jamie said: “I’d never been out with a gas engineer before, so I didn’t know what to expect! It’s been a lot to learn but I’ve really enjoyed the course so far - I particularly enjoy the flexibility of the shift pattern at AO since we get four days off for every four days on shift.”
Since being offered a place in the first cohort of funded apprenticeships, Ed has loved the opportunity to add another skill to his repertoire: “Gas training is a string to my bow at the end of the day and it’s another career for me. I’m 50 years old now and the opportunity has come at the perfect time as I’ve just moved into a new house. My advice for anyone considering an apprenticeship is to just go for it – you’ve got everything to gain and nothing to lose.”
During their course, apprentices take on all aspects of gas installation. Ed said: “The gas course is a lot more involved than I thought it would be and there’s a lot to learn – I get such a sense of achievement out of doing a good job.”
Running for up to 16 weeks, the fast-track programme consists of both online and classroom teaching, as well as on-the-road experience to quickly upskill participants. The AO funded scheme runs alongside an apprenticeship funded by the government apprentice levy that offers comprehensive training in driving a 3.5 tonne van, gas qualifications and functional skills across 16 months.
