Darryn Jenkins - Former Electrical Maintenance Apprentice

In this Q&A, former Electrical Maintenance Apprentice, Darryn Jenkins, reflects on his time with APTUS and shares how his career has progressed since completing his apprenticeship.

When did you complete the APTUS (previously known as OGTAP) apprenticeship programme and what discipline did you study? Finished in 2015, where I spent 2011-2013 at Forth Valley College in Falkirk, and then 2013-2015 offshore as an Apprentice Electrical Technician. 

Why did you originally choose to apply for an apprenticeship programme? I chose to apply for an apprenticeship for the opportunity to be paid whilst learning the skills and theory I needed for a successful career. 

What achievement during your apprenticeship had the biggest impact on your development? Having multiple opportunities provided by my sponsor company to work on advanced high voltage equipment which would not be normally provided in any other circumstance or industry.

How has your career progressed since completing the APTUS programme? Initially I completed my programme as Electrical Apprentice in 2015. I then gained the role of Electrical Technician with my sponsor company following the apprenticeship. Shortly after this I gained the role of Authorised Electrical Person following formal assessment offshore. Following this, I developed to Stand-In Maintenance Supervisor and in 2013, successfully progressed to full time maintenance

Looking back on your career since APTUS, what stands out as a moment of success or achievement? My biggest achievement would be the achievement of the formal OIM Command and Control Assessment to enable the role to Stand-In OIM.

What skills have you learnt/taken away from the APTUS programme that help you/you use on a regular basis in your career now? Communication skills with many various personnel from all over the UK. I applied and interviewed for APTUS when I was 15, moving away from home to Falkirk when I was 16 for two years of college and this step developed my communication skills and set a good foundation for my future career.

If you could speak with someone considering the APTUS programme, what would you say to them to encourage them to apply? I would say that the programme will give you a great opportunity to thrive and develop your career in a unique way.

Do you have any advice for the apprentices currently completing the programme? Apply yourself, everyone has a role in the safe operations, be confident and ask questions.