A robust health and safety philosophy at work is a given. We all need to protect our employees while they are in the office or on site, and ensure they arrive home safely.

 

But, apart from the vital importance of a safe working environment, there are other considerations.

Recruitment for example.

 

Organisations that promote a safety-first culture are more likely to attract and retain talent. After all, who doesn’t want to work in an environment that has our wellbeing at its heart?

 

Having a well written health and safety handbook in the office, however, is not enough. The whole ethos of health and safety needs to permeate the entire organisation.

 

Safety cannot be dissociated from the organisation’s culture. It is not enough to merely comply with the office policy, it has to be a significant component of the company’s culture.

 

And it needs to start at the top.

 

Success comes from good leadership, active employee involvement and constant communication. When the leadership team puts an effective, relevant and sensible health and safety strategy in place, they have the power to influence the people around them and encourage the adoption of safe practices.

 

A safety-first culture is dependent on employees fulfilling their responsibility for ensuring that all aspects of the company’s undertakings are carried out with due regard to safety and with minimal risk to health through ongoing training and adopting rigorous safety protocols.   

 

Involved team members will take an active role in the business. They’ll implement new initiatives, take ownership of them and actively participate in driving change. Involving employees allows them to provide observations and feedback and offer constructive solutions to issues they may have encountered during their work.

 

By setting a safety-first culture, companies show that health and safety is not just a compliance requirement, it is a fundamental quality of their workplace. They recognise that the setting and implementation of risk management protocols helps create a successful, employee-centric company that creates a long-term value for the company and helps attract and retain talent.

An apprenticeship can be a valuable experience for those starting their careers. It can offer on the job training, an insight into the day-to-day operations of a firm and a clear route into a rewarding career.   By working alongside experienced professionals, apprentices develop practical, hands-on skills that prepare them for job roles upon completing their training thus providing a strong foundation for career success.   We sat down with two of our apprentices, Jake and Jack, to learn how they are benefitting from their apprenticeship at Ample Power.   Why have you chosen the career path you have? What do you enjoy the most?    Jake Wallin I enjoy all aspects of electrical works and feel it’s a great career path. I love the fact that, once I am a fully qualified electrician, there are so many opportunities to branch out into.  I am currently in my first year and not sure what area I would like to specialise in once I have finished my training, but I do know that I will be able to explore what I am good at as I go through my apprenticeship. Jack Richards I enjoy learning the technical and science side of the electrical aspects of a construction site. I am particularly interested in electrical installations and how they work in a variety of different projects. The industry is one that is constantly evolving as new technologies and work practices require us to constantly learn new things.   How have you benefited from your experience as an apprentice?   JW For me the real value of my apprenticeship is, not only acquiring the technical skills I need, but also soft skills such as working as a team, problem solving and communicating with people at different levels.  At Ample Power I have learnt a wide range of technical skills such as safety protocols, building codes and regulations, and have been able to apply that knowledge within a live project. JR Being an apprentice has been a beneficial experience for me. I've been able to do things that I'm really interested in, and I have been able to work with so many different people. My apprenticeship has helped me to develop skills and knowledge that I wouldn’t have picked up otherwise. Theoretical knowledge is great to understand the theory behind the processes we undertake but out on a construction site I get to see these how these processes actually work.   What advice would you give to anyone starting out in the electrical industry?   JW Listen and always do your best. I think enthusiasm and a willingness to learn are the most important things if you’re thinking about an apprenticeship. If you come into work every day keen and with an open mind, you’ll learn so much more than you’re expecting. JR Be patient and take your time, be open to endless possibilities and always listen to advice given. It can be quite daunting at first because you often feel you don’t have the skills required to do the job but in time you get to develop these skills and become a lot more confident in your role.