XCEL STUDENT OF THE YEAR AWARDS 2008
E.ON Xcel Engineering & Technology
Student of the Year Award
WINNER - Mohamed Zahras Duwahir
University: University of Leicester
Course: MSc (Hons) Engineering
E.ON
Lewis Beddall, 18, is an apprentice engineer with E.ON UK, one of the largest integrated power and gas companies. He joined E.ON’s four-year apprenticeship scheme in September 2006 after completing his GCSE’s in mathematics, English and science. “Towards the end of school I had my heart set on doing an apprenticeship. I spotted an advertisement in the local newspaper for an apprenticeship at E.ON’s Ratcliffe- On-Soar Powerstation and decided to apply having heard a lot about the company. I wanted to be a part of a big and growing company and do something useful at the same time – E.ON perfectly combines these two.
” Lewis started his training at E.ON’s Engineering Academy. “I spend a lot of time here at the training centre learning about electrical controls and instrumentation engineering. My job involves maintenance and repair works on things from small voltage transmitters to big 3.3Kv circuit breakers. When out on the job I am responsible for my own safety and safety of those around me. Working in a power station of this size could be potentially dangerous if you are unsure of what you are doing. However me and everyone who enters our site is given sufficient training and site inductions to insure everyone is working as safely as possible, and if the rules are followed no-one will get hurt.”
“When I arrive on site I report to my supervisor who will issue me with a job card. I will then be set to work along side an experienced and qualified technician. We will set out on the job, but not before reporting to the control room to inform the unit operator of what we will be doing. After this is done we are free to start the task in hand making sure we are working as safely as possible and after filling out the point of work risk assessment”, explains Lewis.
“At the same time, I’m trying to focus on studying at college and completing my courses at a training school. I want to specialise in electrical control and instrumentation engineering and become an EC&I fitter. I’m also thinking about taking up a degree course at university after finishing my apprenticeship scheme. E.ON is keen to support me in achieving this goal, which is very helpful.”
“The key to success as an apprentice in the power industry is to focus on your job and to pay attention to details but always keeping safety at the forefront of your mind. You have to know what you’re doing – if you’re not, it’s better to ask and avoid any hazardous situations”, advises Lewis. “Apprenticeship schemes are a great way to launch a career and make great friends. You learn from people who are willing to share thei knowledge and at the same time you can put into practice everything you’ve just learnt at the Engineering Academy”.
“I am just coming to the end of my second year as an
apprentice at Ratcliffe Power Station and haven’t regretted
one minute of it. All of my colleagues are great friends as
well as great mentors and I am ready to go into my third year
and to progress my knowledge even further to be the best
EC&I fitter I can be. I would recommend apprenticeships
to anyone!”
