Emma joined SDS as a trainee electrical engineer 18 months ago and hasn’t looked back. Her role includes a blend of hands-on day to day experience plus a day a week at Exeter College studying Building Services. Emma’s career in construction was not something she’d considered initially but she jumped at the chance to do work experience when she saw the opportunity at SDS circulated to her sixth form where she was studying product design, history and media. An application process and interview later and Emma found herself on work experience with SDS. The team were impressed and offered her further work experience which led to Emma landing an apprenticeship. 18 months on, Emma is thriving in her role:

“Every day is different and I get a real sense of pride from the work. There’s good team morale and I get to work with a variety of people with varied experience.”

Emma explains that there is more to the construction industry than what may initially meet the eye:

“There are so many different roles in addition to the more well-known careers such as hands-on construction and bricklaying and electrical engineering. There is a huge amount that happens behind the scenes when it comes to construction and the building process. Those who join us on work experience are always so surprised.”

Emma is continuing to study, increasing her knowledge of the construction industry and plans to go to university. There are lots of options available to move up the career ladder at SDS, she was also recently awarded Technical Apprentice of the Year for Building Plymouth.

“Go for it. If you can, it’s a good idea to try different types of roles to find what suits you best. Work experience is a good place to start.”

For further information on becoming an Electrical Engineer visit Electrical Engineer Job Description (Qualifications, Salary) | Go Construct