Woodward Group is committed to supporting apprentices through hands-on learning, structured training and strong on-site mentoring. As part of National Apprenticeship Week 2026, we’re proud to share Ben Willison’s story.
Having trained as an apprentice at Woodward Group, Ben recently secured his JIB Gold Card, marking an important milestone in his career journey. We caught up with Ben to talk about his apprenticeship experience, the challenges he faced, and his advice for anyone considering a career in electrical engineering.
What originally drew you to an electrical apprenticeship?
I wanted a trade and something with variety, and I knew I didn’t want a job that kept me behind a screen all day. Electrical work gave me the chance to be hands-on and work in different environments, which really appealed to me.
How did learning on-site compare with learning in the classroom or training centre?
They’re actually very similar in how demanding they can feel, just in different ways. Site work is intense, but so is studying in a classroom. There’s a lot to learn in a short space of time, and both really test you in different ways.
What skills were hardest to grasp at first?
Definitely containment work. At the beginning, it took a lot of thinking and checking, but it was really just a case of rinse and repeat. Over time, it became second nature.
How important were the supervisors and managers you worked under in shaping the electrician you’ve become?
Very important. Without that guidance from the supervisors at Woodward Group, I wouldn’t have learned as much as I have. Having experienced people around you makes a big difference.
What’s some advice from a supervisor that has stuck with you?
Work hard, turn up on time and put the effort in. It sounds simple, but it really does matter every single day.
In what ways has the apprenticeship shaped your work ethic?
I retrained later than usual, so it hasn’t completely reshaped my work ethic, I’ve always been a hard worker and understood the benefit of putting the graft in. But the apprenticeship has definitely fine-tuned this and helped me prioritise better.
What advice would you give to someone considering an electrical apprenticeship right now?
Make sure you enjoy it first. If you enjoy what you’re doing, the work becomes much easier. Also, think about what area of electrical work you want to go into – whether that’s domestic, commercial, or something else.
What qualities do you think you need to be a successful apprentice?
You need to be hard-working, forward-thinking and able to concentrate. Punctuality is important, and so is the ability to adapt. Resilience is also key – you have to be able to take the rough with the smooth as you’re learning.
Now that you’re qualified, how do you see the next few years of your career unfolding?
The plan is to gain more experience and then look at further training so I can keep progressing and advancing my career.
Supporting apprentices at Woodward Group
Ben’s journey reflects Woodward Group’s commitment to developing skilled tradespeople through apprenticeships. By combining classroom learning with crucial hands-on, site experience, and by providing strong supervision and mentoring, the business supports apprentices to grow in confidence, capability and professionalism.
Aden Woodward, Managing Director at Woodward Group, said: “Electrical apprenticeships have always been a big part of our long-term success. We see them as a genuine investment in the future of both our business and the wider industry.
“Working with apprentices allows us to build skilled, safety-focused electrical engineers from the ground up, at a time when the industry is facing a real skills shortage. By combining hands-on site experience with structured training, we help people become confident, adaptable and ready for the job.
“Apprenticeships also help people feel part of our culture from day one. Our apprentices learn what it means to work the Woodward way – taking pride in their work, being accountable, and doing the job properly.
“Most importantly, apprenticeships help secure our future. Today’s apprentices are tomorrow’s engineers, supervisors and leaders, and by investing in them now, we’re making sure Woodward Group stays strong, capable and ready for what’s next.”
This National Apprenticeship Week, we’re proud to celebrate Ben’s achievement and the apprentices across Woodward Group who are building their futures in the industry.
Looking for an apprenticeship opportunity?
If you’re considering undertaking an electrical engineering apprenticeship, we’d love to hear from you. Woodward Group is always open to new talent joining our team and adding value to our clients. If you’d like to be part of our growth, please send us your CV or give us a call on 01283 819379.