An exciting start for British Gas apprentices
Date posted - 20 September 2011
Beginning a new job is always daunting but for the 31 Information Systems apprentices with British Gas, their employment started a little more unconventionally this September with a challenging apprentice development course at The Trust’s Aberdovey centre.
Even a classic Welsh welcome of a sandstorm couldn’t dampen the enthusiasm as the course began by introducing the aims and objectives of their apprenticeship. Day two saw the apprentices head to the waterfront to take on a number of team, communication and problem-solving challenges, which included a raft building exercise. As part of these challenges, the apprentices had to work together to fulfil a task brief, with each individual holding a particular piece of information from which they could coordinate to complete the challenge. In doing so, the challenges replicated the difficulties the apprentices will face when working across busy departments on a variety of sites in their day-to-day jobs. Whilst there were some definite successes, there were also some resounding failures, making it an ideal opportunity to introduce the concept of growth mindsets and how the apprentices can learn from their experiences.
On to day three – exercise homecoming. This involves all groups being issued with a task brief in which they head out onto expedition, completing a variety of challenges along the way. The purpose of the exercise is for the apprentices to break down the brief and translate it into action points in the areas of prioritising, project management, meeting deadlines and delegation. Delegates were quick to apply lessons learned from the previous day and were able to use their new communication and time management skills to great effect. Despite an impressive effort, the culmination of the project - a short hill walk to a six figure grid reference for a designated time - proved to be a sprint finish. The apprentice groups then had to put together a short project summary to work out if they had met the requirements of the task, which would allow them to sleep in their own beds.
Throughout the two previous evenings, the apprentices had prepared a self led one-night expedition, which involved them summiting one of the Snowdonian peaks, successfully navigating to a camp site and all the while managing their time effectively. Day four saw them put their plans into action. Compared to the previous pressure-fuelled days, this seemed a more relaxing way to practise team working skills and get to know one another, although not without its challenges.
Drake group encountered steep ground requiring them to put to work encouragement, good communication skills and a strong team effort to overcome some initial anxieties. The views of stunning welsh countryside and the enjoyment of a shared experience certainly did not go unnoticed, but as time wore on the pressure ramped up as the group were keen to reach camp before dark, using their individual strengths and delegation skills to hit their target. The momentum for finishing the project in style continued into the final day as the apprentices left camp at 7am to ensure a timely minibus pickup 2km away.
Day five finished a long way from the tents in which it started as three professional presentations were delivered to training managers from British Gas as well as another visiting apprentice client. The presentations detailed the journey the group had been on and how they anticipated this translating into their career with British Gas. It is safe to say British Gas apprentices experienced a first week at work quite unlike any other!
Jen, Senior Trainer, Aberdovey centre
