Have you ever fancied a role reversal at work, perhaps you fancy spending a day as the director?
This is exactly what happened at Pendennis shipyard in Cornwall when several apprentices were given a chance to run the company for 1 day whilst the 4 directors undertook their apprenticeship roles.
The directors undertook several tasks during the day including undertaking an engine realignment and other work within the fabrication, surface finishing and electrical teams.
One of the apprentices is a 4th year electrician. Spending a day becoming involved in the key decisions within the company allowed him to gain a valuable insight into the pressures and consequences of running a company.
Similarly, spending a day learning a valuable trade gave the directors experience of the challenges faced when actually carrying out the work. The day allowed the directors to expand on their skills and to see the changes that have happened in the industry since the days of their own apprenticeships. The senior staff members of Pendennis shipyard have all been through an apprenticeship themselves so were all keen to put their skills to the test once more.
At Fulcher Edwards, we think experiences such as these are a great way to grow a more productive workforce and one which understands each others responsibilities and demands. It is seen all too often when a disenchanted workforce see the directors as the ones who sit in their offices doing nothing whilst the rest of the workforce undertakes the work. It is always beneficial for all members of the workforce to experience other jobs thereby putting their thoughts into perspective.
Next week (11-15th March 2013) is National Apprenticeship Week which sees a celebration of the valuable contribution apprentices make to the workforce and how beneficial they are to the economy and their own future. Having been electrician apprentices ourselves we think the National Apprenticeship Week is a great opportunity to celebrate the achievements and benefits that apprenticeships being both to the workplace and the individual.
An apprenticeship also proves testament to the hard work that is undertaken in order to learn a trade and gain much needed experience and expertise. Experience and expertise are two values that we are very proud of here at Fulcher Edwards and we firmly believe that anyone who carries out electrical work should hold these values at the forefront of what they do.
Experience and expertise have allowed us to provide a high standard of electrical services, fire alarm and emergency lighting maintenance to domestic, commercial, industrial and property management clients for the last 30 years throughout most of London and areas within the M25.
It would be an interesting experience having a role reversal day here at Fulcher Edwards. If we ever do one, we will be sure to post our experiences here on our blog!
Here at Fulcher Edwards, we're looking forward to the National Apprenticeship Week – it looks like its going to be pretty action packed!