Jonathan McMaster - NIE apprentice

When did you start working as an apprentice for NIE?

I started a 3 year apprenticeship in September 2010.

What is your current role?

I'm currently an overhead line / tree cutting apprentice. 

Describe a normal working day?

I start my day at the NIE training centre at 8.30am.  A normal day involves practical demonstrations and advice from the training instructors where we go out on site, kit up and head out to a climbing pole for on the job training.

What qualifications do you have?

I started NIE after I had completed my A Levels.

Did NIE support your training and development?

NIE has been very supportive through my apprenticeship.  The instructors are always willing to give advice when needed and I have learnt a lot since I first joined. 

What would you say to anyone considering an Apprenticeship with NIE?

If you enjoy hands on work then I would tell you to go for the NIE apprenticeship. The company supports apprentices all the way and everyday is different.  There are lots of opportunities for apprentices if you want to progress, some of the top managers and training instructors joined NIE as apprentices.

Have you enjoyed the mix of academic study with the practical onsite learning?

Yes the balance is just right.  The academic study provides you with knowledge of the system while the on site learning provides the skills to carry out the job.

What are your career aspirations?

On completion of my apprenticeship I would like to serve my time as a linesman, however in the future I would definitely consider an engineering role.

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