Apprentice success stories – Luke Robinson

Our latest apprentice success story belongs to Luke Robinson, who works in the Environment, Health & Safety department at Northern Gas Networks. As the first person from NGN to complete a Safety, Health and Environmental Technician: Level 3 apprenticeship, we’re immensely proud to have supported Luke’s development.

Now thriving in his new role at Northern Gas Networks’ Sunderland office, we sat down for a chat with Luke regarding his landmark achievement and how he approached his apprenticeship with true grit and determination.

Q) What made you want to start working in environment, health & safety?

I finished my two years at college, graduating with 3 A levels. After I finished my courses, I was stuck with what to do. I knew I didn’t want to commit to three or four years at university and end up in debt for years to come. At this time, I was picking up the odd shift as a Railway Technician for subcontractor companies in a highly hazardous/high-risk industry.

I didn’t like the fact that work wasn’t guaranteed. I knew I needed something more sustainable and to be where a company would support and develop me. I found Northern Gas Networks were recruiting in my area and applied for my EHS role – 24 months down the line, I haven’t looked back. Environment, Health, and Safety is a great career to be in, and Northern Gas Networks is a great company to work for.

Q) What does your previous work experience look like?

I started work at 16 at a bar & restaurant, where I worked for two years. At age 18, I started to work in the rail industry on a subcontracting basis. At 19, I began my apprenticeship in Environmental, Health and Safety. 24 months down the line, I have just fully qualified.

Q) Had you heard of apprenticeships or has anyone you know done an apprenticeship?

My school were advocates of apprenticeships. The majority of my mates were apprentices in industries such as optic fibre, joiners, electrics, machinery, etc. I liked the idea of learning on the job rather than a textbook, and the pay wasn’t bad either.

Q) Was it overwhelming starting as a new apprentice and what were your initial thoughts?

I personally wasn’t overwhelmed when starting my new role. Even from the interview stages, I was made comfortable and felt like I was surrounded by a good team. My initial thoughts and feelings when I started my role were excitement, eagerness, and motivation.

Two years down the line, now with more responsibility, I still don’t feel overwhelmed or anxious – I have a great team and stakeholders around me I can communicate with who will help me as much as they can.

Q) What does a typical day look like for you?

No day is really similar. Just some of my roles include assisting in investigations, monitoring our internal injuries and incidents database, producing risk assessments, responding to internal/external stakeholders, and completing safety campaigns.

Q) How would you describe the apprenticeship journey to anyone thinking of starting?

If you are like me and learn better from being involved rather than reading a textbook, it is the best thing to do.

Q) What advice would you give to someone starting an apprenticeship?

Go the extra mile. Showing your manager/team that you are driven and committed to your field stands you in great stead.

Q) How did your manager/mentor and trainer support you whilst on-programme?

My team gave me time for revision, assignments, and learning throughout the duration of my apprenticeship. My trainer gave me constructive feedback on assignments and projects on where I could further improve my knowledge.

Q) What can you tell us about your end-point assessment?

My end-point assessment project was an incident response unit. The unit would be used in high-risk scenarios such as explosions, fires, and third-party interference damages. The response unit is a proactive solution to emergency preparedness.

It provides our on-site staff (management, operational engineers) with NGN-specific software/documentation, provides them with necessary equipment to carry out tests, and provides a professional centralised base for calls, meetings, and handovers to take place.

Q) What was the highlight of your apprenticeship?

I have thoroughly enjoyed all of my apprenticeship. I would say that there have been two highlights I have particularly enjoyed. These were completing a business case and conducting EHS coaching visits.

Q) Did you find anything difficult?

I wouldn’t say I found anything difficult as such. As mentioned, I have important and knowledgeable people around me who I can ask for advice. Not only this, but I am also a member of numerous health and safety forums where I can further my knowledge/ask questions around topics or legislation I am not entirely confident with.

Q) Do you feel the apprenticeship has helped your future aspirations and do you have any plans for your career or further development?

Yes, my team has created a succession plan, and this will allow me to develop with my career at Northern Gas Networks. I aspire to become Head of EHS one day, when I have gained lots more experience and knowledge of health and safety.

Q) Can you name one positive experience you have taken away from your apprenticeship?

Gaining lots of confidence and skills, the skills I have developed will be transferable for me in all areas of my career and my personal life.

We’d like to congratulate Luke on his outstanding achievement and thank him for taking the time to sit down with us to discuss his apprenticeship story. It’s always incredible to see people we’ve worked with flourish and reach new heights in their careers.

If you’d like to explore apprenticeship opportunities within your role, please feel free to browse our available courses. From admin and HR to team leadership and more, there’s sure to be a perfect match. Alternatively, if you have any questions about how our apprenticeships work, contact our team and we will help you make the right choice for you.