Empowering future talent: The E.ON apprenticeship experience and its social impact

Our Future Leaders degree apprenticeship programme enables young professionals to combine academic learning with real-world business experience, helping them develop a strong foundation for their careers.

This National Apprenticeship Week, we’re shining a spotlight on the incredible work that goes into our apprenticeship schemes.

Below, one of our apprentices, George McLaren, shares his journey, reflecting on the diverse placements he’s undertaken, and the insights he’s gained along the way.

As part of his development, George is involved in The West Bridgford School’s Higher & Degree Level Apprenticeship Fair in Nottingham, where we aim to inspire students by showcasing the benefits of apprenticeships and the exciting career pathways available at E.ON.

How have you found your apprenticeship? 

I began my degree apprenticeship back in September 2021. My scheme is called Future Leaders, where I’m studying Business Management alongside work commitments. I’ve loved every minute of my apprenticeship and have gained so much value from the variety of placements that I’ve carried out around the business. I’ve had the opportunity to work in customer services, marketing, supply chain, business improvement, finance and programme management. I’m glad I’ve had the opportunity to experience different business functions and gain unique skills that each placement offered.

Not only that, but by doing a wide variety of placements, it has allowed me to work out what I didn’t particularly like and what I really enjoyed which is crucial – considering when I began my apprenticeship, I didn’t know what role I wanted to focus on!

Throughout the apprenticeship, I’ve identified Business Improvement Analyst as my favourite and most rewarding job and hope to be able to carry on down this career pathway.

I work for 80% of the week, with the other 20% focusing on my university studies. I’m now in the final few months of the apprenticeship where I’m currently looking to offboard permanently into the business, whilst also completing my dissertation on my chosen project.

Can you provide us with the background behind your visit?

When I started at E.ON, the business was asked to attend The West Bridgford School’s Annual Higher & Degree Level Apprenticeship Fair for the first time back in early 2022. Since then, E.ON has been invited back every year where we have our own stand and have a chance to talk to students and parents about the degree apprenticeships that we’re offering and what students could expect if successful for the application journey. The West Bridgford School is very close to me, as I went to secondary school and sixth form there.

We hope that we continue to be invited back as we always enjoy attending and making students aware of the amazing opportunities that E.ON has to offer.

What key messages did you hope to share with students during your visit?

The main message that I shared with students is that they always have options.

When I was at school, the message was always about university and which one you wanted to go to. I always knew I never wanted to go to university but because I was in the minority of those not going, it made it harder to know what to do and what the next steps were. It’s only because I have two older brothers that also successfully completed apprenticeships with other well-known organisations that I was able to be given guidance.

Since I left school, I do feel as though apprenticeships have become a lot more prominent, but I believe there’s still work to be done to really get the message across that there are other ways to get into a career rather than simply going to university.

At the event, we spoke about how you earn a salary, have the degree funded by the business and most importantly, that you gain vital on the job experience. I wanted to ensure that students knew they had a choice in what they wanted to do in their careers and that assumption that if you go to university, you will have a better career, isn’t exactly correct.

I always share the message about the importance of experience. Obviously, as a full-time student, it can be hard to manage studying and work but even a few hours a week in a part time job puts you in great stead to learn and gain experiences that can then be used when attending job interviews.

The last message I shared is to not let rejection knock you back. I said to students that, as amazing as E.ON is as a company to work for, there are so many other opportunities out there too. Keep applying to places and gain experience of going through interviews, assessment centres etc. This will help you become familiar with the application processes, although not every business has the same one, but it gives a general overview of what you can expect. I was rejected by multiple places, but by going through the process, I received feedback that I could enact on and put into practice in future interviews.

What do you hope students will take away from the session?

My biggest hope that students take away from the session is that they know they have options. Go to university if you really want to and know what you want to do. If you have any doubts, I’d suggest doing an apprenticeship because you earn money, are debt free and gain experience that will ultimately set you aside from most of the people your age.

Grades shouldn’t define your career or how successful you’re going to be. Obviously, they’re great to have and are a reflection of your hard work but if you have something about you in your personality, are eager to learn and are a hard worker, then grades shouldn’t define you.

Powering the future

At E.ON, we believe in empowering people to take control of their career paths, and apprenticeships are a fantastic way to do just that. Through hands-on experience, financial support, and professional development opportunities, our apprentices gain a competitive edge in the workplace while also contributing to a more skilled and diverse workforce.

By attending events like the Apprenticeship Fair, we aim to not only raise awareness of alternative career routes but also drive social mobility by making high-quality career opportunities accessible to all, regardless of background. Investing in apprenticeships helps bridge the skills gap, foster economic growth, and create a more inclusive and sustainable future.

Whether through our apprenticeship programmes or other opportunities, we are proud to play a role in shaping the next generation of talent and making a meaningful social impact.