Engineering apprentices use skills to give back to local community

Apprentices at RSK Group company WGM Engineering have found a way to volunteer with a local charity and develop their skills at the same time.

Glasgow-based charity Starter Packs supports people who are moving into new tenancies after a period of homelessness, moving on from care or escaping domestic abuse, have experienced a relationship breakdown or have had a fire or flooding in their home.

Starter Packs General Manager Gavin Dunbar explained that the charity puts together packs of essential household items that are delivered when people receive the keys to their new home. He said: “All the items in the packs are ones most people take for granted. Whether it’s a kettle, a lamp, bedding or utensils, our packs help people settle in, alleviating the financial strain of having to buy items and the stress that can cause. They also support folks in sustaining their tenancy, helping to break a cycle of homelessness.”

The role of apprentices from WGM Engineering is to carry out portable appliance testing (PAT) on donated electrical equipment to ensure it is safe and fit for use. They also assist in general stockroom duties by sorting through donated items.

Apprentice Jack Graham has valued having the chance to help the local community while enhancing his skills. He said: “PAT is an electrical skill that I haven’t got much experience of, so it was great to gain some while helping out such a good cause.

“When we first started volunteering, it was a little tricky getting used to how the PAT machine operated, but someone was always on hand to show us what to do and help us if we were unsure of anything.”

Fellow Apprentice Lewis Duffy was inspired to volunteer after hearing about the experiences of other colleagues. After approaching his manager, he took the opportunity to support the team at Starter Packs. Lewis said: “Volunteering at Starter Packs has had a meaningful impact on me both professionally and personally. It has helped me develop valuable skills, such as communication and teamwork, which have enhanced my professional growth.

“Personally, it has given me a deeper sense of purpose, increased my empathy for others and allowed me to connect with people from different backgrounds. Overall, it’s been a rewarding experience that continues to shape my character and outlook on life.”

Apprentice Programme Manager Steven McGinn said that, as apprentices go through their professional journey at WGM Engineering, he wants them to not only develop into highly skilled tradespeople but also understand the importance of community and how we can all help each other in many different ways.

Steven added: “I’m very fortunate in my role as apprentice programme manager that I get to have the sense of pride and satisfaction when our apprentices become time served and move into trade roles. This is something that is echoed in the relationship we’ve developed with Starter Packs and gives me that same sense of pride in our apprentices.”

With new apprentices joining WGM Engineering every year, Steven said the business plans to continue volunteering with the charity for the foreseeable future. Apprentices are also being encouraged to share causes close to their hearts to explore other volunteering options the business could support.

Gavin said the support of WGM Engineering has been a huge help to the charity: “We’re very grateful to the teams of apprentices who have come in and helped us with PAT testing items and sorting through donations.

“Hopefully, they get to see the difference that the work we do makes to folks, but also value the new skills and competencies they gain from using our PAT testing machines, which they haven’t worked with before. It’s great having the team join us, and we’d love to continue working with the business in the future.”