Apprentice Scheme

I’m Rhys Faulkner an Apprentice Electrician at Fortem. In my role, I carry out repairs on properties with my mentor. These include fixing and replacing sockets, switches, replacing/fixing showers, immersion heaters, fault finding, electrical testing, etc.

Before Fortem, I was in the British Army working with aviation. I travelled around Europe and around the UK working with various different types of military aircraft.

I chose Fortem and the apprenticeship route as I wanted to work for a large, reputable company where plenty of work is always available and, also, where I felt I could progress myself and learn as much as possible about electrics to gain my electrical qualifications in the future. I chose the apprenticeship route so that I could learn on the job, whilst simultaneously attending college to gain my qualifications. I learn best by actually working on the job, fixing faults and solving problems in a real working environment.

I have thoroughly enjoyed working with Fortem on the apprenticeship route. I have learnt a vast majority already from the different mentors I have worked with in such a small amount of time. I have already began taking on jobs myself in tenants’ properties and solving their issues myself, this is thanks to the endless knowledge and experience from the Electricians working at Fortem and passing this knowledge down to me.

I had a placement within the sixth form at the school I attended however I opted for an apprenticeship. I have been with Fortem now for over a year and a half and I am now currently wating to sit my end point assessment.

In my opinion, this is the best decision I have ever made as I have not only grown within the role I am in, I have grown as a person and improved my attitude to learning and bettering myself. If anyone was debating an apprenticeship, I would one hundred percent recommend it.

Before joining Fortem I was in my first year at college studying art, design, and photography. Although I loved what I was doing it wasn’t really the right career path for me and I wanted to get out into the world and start earning and learning.

When I finished school, apprenticeships were out there but not really talked about, we were more pushed toward college or sixth form.

One night I was searching the internet and found an administration apprenticeship working for Willmott Dixon. The job description sounded great, and my partner had already secured an apprenticeship as a joiner working for them. I looked at their values as a business and how they grow their own and couldn’t believe how a company can be so people focused. So, I didn’t hesitate to apply. I secured an interview and several months later I received a phone call let me know I was successful. I was extremely nervous when I first started, but that went quickly as they had assigned me the best and most lovely mentor I could have asked for. Marie supported throughout every challenging moment and without her I wouldn’t be where I am today.

With Fortem, I have achieved:

• Level 2 Business Administration,
• Level 2 Mathematics
• Level 1 IT
• Level 3 Leadership and Management
• Level 3 Educating and Training
• CSCS Card
• Site Manager Safety Training Scheme (SMSTS)
• 3-Day First Aid
• In the process of obtaining a Chartered management Degree in Leadership and Management.

While being at Fortem I have achieved things I never thought I would. I never intended in going to university, I didn’t think I was capable, but now I’m a couple of months away from completing my degree. I can’t express how grateful I am for the support and opportunities I’ve been given.

Jordan started his career at Fortem in August 2012 as an Apprentice for four years. In the first two years, Jordan was an Apprentice Plumer, where he won awards such as ‘Contribution to the Community’ and ‘Willmott Dixon’s Apprentice of the Year’.

Jordan always had an interest in sports and at school he never thought he would be a plumber; however, he was interested in the trades he had exposure to. When Jordan was given the opportunity to join the Apprenticeship Scheme, he jumped at the chance due the many avenues for development available.

The mentorship Jordan experienced was highly beneficial to his development by providing advice inside and outside of work. In 2015, Jordan qualified as a Gas Engineer in 2015 and joined the Management Trainee Scheme in 2017. Jordan’s decision to join the scheme was inspired by seeing Management Trainees gain different skills he realised the potential development the scheme provided.

Jordan attended different training throughout his Apprenticeship and Management Trainee scheme such as, Hetas, Air Source, Level Three in Education and Teaching and Health and Safety. Jordan feels his confidence has developed tremendously, due to lots of feedback, experiences and appraisals. Jordan has also developed many other skills, such as time management and organisation.

Jordan said “I can’t thank Fortem enough for everything they’ve done for me. I have changed from a shy lad to a grown man and developed myself further through all the support and opportunities Fortem provide”.