Degree Apprentice Dialogues: Ross Warwood

Apprenticeships are a core part of our business at E.ON, and we work to create opportunities for people at all stages of their career. As part of our Degree Apprentice Dialogues series, we spoke to Ross Warwood about how his degree apprenticeship scheme has gone, and what the future holds.

Ross, aged 23, has just completed his Future Leaders Degree Apprenticeship while studying for a Business Management & Leadership degree at the University of Derby, where he’s graduated with first-class honours as well as a distinction in his apprenticeship.

Why did you choose E.ON’s degree apprenticeship scheme?

Working in the energy industry was of particular interest to me. I was especially interested in renewables with the growing concern surrounding global warming and the drive to net zero. Also, working for a company the size of E.ON appealed as there was the chance to understand numerous different business functions and fully immerse myself in the world of work.

The Future Leaders scheme appealed as it combined two of my interests: business and leadership. The chance to rotate around the business on six-month placements was of particular interest as I was keen to understand the areas in which I could excel and continually develop.

Can you tell us a bit about the placements you’ve undertaken during the scheme?

I started off in Customer Service, where I was tasked with resolving issues around metering. This placement proved to be very beneficial in understanding E.ON but also in understanding our customers and how I can best serve and support their concerns.

I then spent time working within Brand & Marketing, where I gained great exposure in creating and managing campaigns whilst reporting results, Finance, and the Energy Markets team which proved to be great experience in learning about energy trading and the wholesale market. I also spent time working with E.ON Next in London, tasked with managing our online digital sales journey.

Have there been any challenges?

The main challenge which I faced was spending six months in each placement. This is because I found it difficult to go above and beyond in adding value whilst also fully understanding the business role and responsibilities. I overcame this challenge by allocating time in key stakeholders’ diaries to understand their tasks and understand where I could recommend improvements and drive change.

How have you found the experience of working while studying?

Initially, I found it difficult to work and study. However, I thoroughly enjoyed the balance and because I would apply my university learnings to E.ON and vice versa.

What have you enjoyed the most about your time at E.ON so far?

I’ve enjoyed meeting new people and gaining a vast understanding of the energy industry and E.ON. In particular, I’ve relished opportunities to come together with fellow colleagues in both a work and social setting.

You’ve just completed the scheme, what’s next for you?

Having graduated with first-class honours and achieved a distinction in my apprenticeship, I’ve been successful in securing a permanent role within E.ON, and now work as a Deal Support Analyst within npower Business Solutions. I’m tasked with supporting Sales Managers with pricing offers and liaising with key customers with the aim of securing new and renewing existing business energy supply contracts. I’ve been in my new role for a few months now, and I’m looking forward to starting my post-apprenticeship journey whilst getting my teeth stuck into new opportunities and developing new relationships.

I appreciate that my successful application would not have been possible without the support of the degree apprenticeship scheme, which helped prepare me for the interview process and ensured that I had plentiful experience to discuss at my interview.

What advice would you give to someone considering a degree apprenticeship?

Apply! I couldn’t recommend a degree apprenticeship highly enough. The chance to combine work and study offers the perfect combination in starting your professional journey.

If you had to describe your time at E.ON in three words, what would they be?

Inspiring, fulfilling and amazing.