JTL caught up with Bethany-Marie Snell, electrical apprentice with Arena, to find out more about how she decided the apprenticeship route was right for her and her experience in the electrics industry so far.
Whilst studying electrics in college in her hometown of Rochester, Bethany joined her stepdad for work experience in the sector and instantly saw a future for herself, enjoying the hands-on nature of the work so much that she decided to pursue a career in the field.
“Starting off working with my stepdad was a great opportunity to get my foot in the door, and I knew immediately that this was something I could see myself doing as a career.
“I’ve always been a physical learner and I enjoy being very active in my day-to-day, so it felt like the perfect fit for me since day one.”
When asked about her experience so far as an electrical apprentice with JTL, Bethany told us: “I was first put on the scheme when I began with my employer, Arena, and found the application process really straightforward. My tutor, Mark, was honestly one of the best teachers I’ve ever had, and I am so grateful for the support he gave me when I was first starting out.
“Working with Arena whilst studying for my apprenticeship was a good opportunity for getting stuck into some larger scale projects and I could use my previous experience to my advantage, having worked on some notable landmarks such as Battersea Power Station and New Zealand Embassy.”
Bethany studied with JTL at the Maidstone training centre, and experienced what life was like as a practicing apprentice during the pandemic: “The learning and support I experienced at the centre was great – it wasn’t easy trying to study for exams once Covid hit, but we all pushed through and worked hard, and I’m really grateful to have been given everything I needed to help me pass all of my exams in the end.”
Throughout the course, Bethany preferred the practical work she undertook most, telling us: “I found the Smart Assessor theory side of things to be more of a challenge as it tested my knowledge of everything I had learned on the course, however this has all contributed to the way I have excelled over the years, and I have definitely seen a noticeable change in myself!”
When it comes to personal development, Bethany credits the support received by JTL and once her apprenticeship is completed plans to become even further qualified in the field. And for those considering starting an apprenticeship in the sector, Bethany offers the advice that has helped her through so far, telling us: “Even if it’s a fall-back plan, whatever reason you’re doing it for – stick at it. It will all pay off in the end!”
For more details about our electrical apprenticeships, please visit the course page here.
