We sent Issy, an electrical apprentice with IntoHeat, a few questions about her journey, from college to her first job, and why she’s proud to be part of Plymouth’s future. Here’s what she had to say.
Tell us a bit about what you do, what’s your role?
I’m an electrical apprentice. I’ve actually already got my Level 2 and Level 3 in Electrical Installation, which I did at college over two years. So I had that background coming in, which I think really helped me hit the ground running when I started.
How did you find out about the role with Into Heat?
It was through the Plymouth Launchpad Youth Hub, actually. I just walked in for a meeting, I wasn’t really sure what to expect, and I spoke to them about what I wanted to do and the qualifications I already had. Two days later, they’d found me work experience. Two days! I couldn’t believe it.
The work experience gave me a proper taster of what the job’s actually like day to day. And then after that, they offered me a permanent job as an apprentice. It all happened quite fast, but in the best way.
What was it that drew you to electrical work in the first place?
Honestly, I’ve always known I work better when I’m doing something with my hands. Sitting at a desk all day isn’t really me. I wanted something practical, something where I could actually see what I was doing and feel like I was building something. And the apprenticeship route meant I could learn on the job and keep expanding my skills while I was earning. That really appealed to me. I love that I’m learning while I’m doing it, if that makes sense.
What have been your highlights so far?
Learning the first fixing stage has been a big one for me. It was completely new when I started, so getting my head around the whole process, how everything gets set up each day, what order things happen in, has been really satisfying. It’s the kind of thing where you can actually see yourself getting better, which keeps you motivated.
And where do you see yourself going from here?
My plan is to finish my apprenticeship and become fully qualified. I want to get to a point where I can work more independently and feel really confident in what I’m doing. That’s the goal, just to keep developing and get to that next level.
Last question, how does it feel to be working in Plymouth and South Devon right now? There’s a lot happening in the region.
It genuinely feels good. You can really feel that things are growing and moving forward around here, and it’s nice knowing I’m a part of that, even in a small way. It’s not just about what I’m getting out of the apprenticeship for myself, it’s about being part of something that’s actually benefiting the local community. Seeing more opportunities and development coming to Plymouth and the wider South Devon area makes me feel optimistic. I’m proud to be involved in that.
Issy is an electrical apprentice with Into Heat. She found her role through the Plymouth Launchpad Youth Hub. If you’d like to find out more about apprenticeship opportunities in the Plymouth and South Devon region, get in touch with us today.