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Qualified Electricians Joining the MEL Team
- Nick Lawler
- 11 minutes ago
- 6 min read
Two of Maidenhead Electrical Ltd's (MEL’s) apprentices, Charlie Stokes and Josh Jones, finished their four-year apprenticeship in 2025, and we were delighted when they both accepted full-time positions at MEL as qualified electricians.
Having completed their apprenticeships, including all required training and assessments, they are now fully qualified to work independently.
We asked them to take some time out at the end of a busy working day to talk to us about their apprentice experience.
Why Choose Electrical Engineering?
Both Josh and Charlie enjoy the problem-solving and variety in electrical engineering.
Josh says, “MEL has so many different clients in all kinds of industries. The work is incredibly varied which makes for very interesting days.”
And, as Charlie says, “There’s so many different ways you can do any one job, so I always like the versatility of it. I wanted a job that combined knowledge with hands-on skills. The work experience at MEL showed me that being an electrician was a combination of theory, practical problem-solving and working with your hands.”
After his work experience, MEL offered Charlie a job and he worked for another six months in a junior role before enrolling at college and starting his apprenticeship.
Josh started his apprenticeship with another company and then joined MEL during his second year.
Did you consider any other careers?
Josh wanted to use his love of maths and considered a career in Finance. That would have allowed him to work with numbers but fundamentally he didn’t think it would be as enjoyable.
Charlie considered being a fireman but the unsocial hours and the shift arrangements didn’t appeal to him.
What about college?
Josh says that one of the best things about college was meeting other apprentices in the same position and comparing their different experiences.
Charlie goes on to say, “For example, we do a lot of commercial and industrial work, but at college, they teach you a lot of domestic, so what I wasn’t learning on-site I’d learn at college. The other apprentices are in the same boat as you. They’re fresh too and learning the job as well, so you can bounce ideas off of each other."
"All the teachers are electricians and used to work on-site. So, it’s not just the theory part that they teach you, you also learn from their practical experience. The electrical training at college is comprehensive, covering both classroom learning and hands-on skills. It makes it very different from the school environment because a lot of stuff comes up on-site and you have to think on your feet. Those teachers that have been electricians on-site tell you about all these bits as well. It’s very handy, because they were in your shoes once and understand the importance of workplace experience.”
Josh says Rob, his tutor at Wycombe College, was very helpful and knowledgeable throughout the course.
Charlie says his NVQ assessor, Ross, really helped because he’d left it a bit late putting his portfolio together: “I had quite a lot of stuff to do in a short period of time. But when we were on site, he would try and get as much knocked off as we could.”
What were the best bits of being an apprentice at MEL?
Charlie says, “The best thing was the variety of jobs we had. Some days I’d be working in a factory in Milton Keynes, which would be a lot of containment (often metal trunking) and putting in all different types of cables, working with three-phase supply, using access equipment and wiring up heavy machinery."
"Then some days, I’d be at an office doing lighting and sockets. Another day I’d be working for the Environment Agency on the River Thames. We’d get called out because a lock wasn’t working and we’d have to go into the panel and try to solve the issue. So I think there’s a lot of variety in the jobs that we do. We don’t do a lot of domestic but we still do some, so I’ve done everything: domestic, commercial, industrial, fault finding, installation, maintenance."
"Working at MEL broadens your horizons and it does help you get through your NVQ. Over time, my skills have developed thanks to the diverse range of electrics we worked on and the support from experienced contractors.”
Josh says, “All the supervisors I have worked with at MEL have helped me out and taught me well, but I probably learnt most from James Holt maintaining the locks and weirs on the River Thames.
What are you looking forward to doing now that you are qualified?
Now they are both qualified, Josh and Charlie talked about the extra freedom. With this, Josh is looking forward to the responsibility of running his own installation projects.
In the future, Charlie wants to further develop his testing and inspection skills and specialise in fault finding.
As he says, with fault finding, “You’re literally going into a dark black hole where you don’t know what the problem is. Every issue could be something completely different. You have to try to come up with a plan, thinking on your feet, what is going to be the quickest way to do this, what is going to be the best way to do this? Problem solved!”
Any tips for anyone else considering an apprenticeship?
Josh says, “If you’re interested in an apprenticeship then spend a few weeks doing work experience to see if you enjoy working in that industry and speak to as many people as you can regarding their experiences.”
Charlie says, “You’re doing this job five days a week and there’s no point being miserable. Work experience gives you the chance to figure out if it’s the right career for you and also understand the variety of work in the industry."
"MEL specialises in industrial and commercial work but domestic work might suit you better. For new entrants to the electrical industry, it’s important to research the recognised qualifications you’ll need to qualify as an electrician and to train both in college and in the workplace."
Read this blog to understand the differences between commerical and domestic electricians.
"Take charge of your own training by preparing your portfolio and seeking out extra learning opportunities. When looking for apprenticeships or jobs, check with local businesses and contractors who offer hands-on experience with a range of electrics."
"Once you qualify, make sure you register as a qualified electrician so your credentials are visible to clients and employers. And when you need to hire someone, always compare electricians by looking at their quotes, qualifications, and customer feedback to ensure you choose the right professional.”
And this is something we should all try to remember:
“When you’re happy at work the day go quicker and everyone else bounces off the good vibes!”
The Road to Becoming a Qualified Electrician: Qualifications
Competient Person Scheme
In England and Wales, the Competent Person Scheme plays a vital role. Qualified electricians who are registered with this scheme have the authority to self-certify their electrical installation work, confirming that it meets all necessary building regulations. This not only streamlines the process for customers but also demonstrates the electrician’s competence and commitment to quality.
NVQ Level 3
To become a qualified electrician and carry out electrical work, including the increasingly popular task to install solar panels, individuals must complete rigorous training and achieve recognised qualifications, such as the NVQ Level 3.
There are several routes to qualification. Many start with full-time education or apprenticeships, gaining both technical knowledge and hands-on practical experience. Whilst others, particularly career changers or those with significant industry experience, may opt for the experienced worker assessment, which recognises existing skills and knowledge.
The City and Guilds Diploma & ECS Gold Card
The City & Guilds diploma route is a well-respected pathway, offering comprehensive courses that cover everything from electrical systems design to installation and testing.
Achieving the ECS Gold Card is another milestone, marking an electrician as fully qualified and able to undertake a wide range of electrical installation work.
NICEIC Regulatory Body
Compliance doesn’t end with qualification. Qualified electricians are regularly assessed to ensure they remain up-to-date with the latest building regulations, technologies, and industry best practices. This ongoing assessment process is overseen by regulatory bodies such as the National Inspection Council for Electrical Installation Contracting (NICEIC), which helps maintain high standards across the electrical industry.
What Should Customers & Clients Look for in Qualified Electricians
For customers, choosing a qualified electrician is crucial.
When comparing electricians, always check their qualifications, experience, and registration with a competent person scheme. This ensures that your chosen electrician is not only skilled but also legally able to self-certify their work, giving you peace of mind that your electrical systems are safe and compliant.
Electrical Career Opportunities
The electrical industry offers a wide range of career opportunities, from apprenticeships and training courses to advanced roles in inspection, testing, and installation. Whether you’re a new entrant, a career changer, or someone looking to progress further, there are clear pathways to develop your skills and achieve recognized certification.
The journey to becoming a qualified electrician is challenging but rewarding, offering the chance to build a successful career while making a real difference to the safety and efficiency of electrical systems across the UK.
