Confidence Through Learning: An Apprentice’s Perspective
In this blog, we hear from Ben O’Leary, first-year Internal Controls and Automation Technician apprentice at Southern Water, who shares his journey of professional development through his apprenticeship. Ben reflects on his decision to pivot towards a more hands-on career, balancing practical workplace experience with the development of technical skills, and how the experience is shaping his confidence and career progression within the water industry.
“It’s a great way to build skills that help you at work and outside of work too… It gives you confidence to approach tasks you might not have before.”
Ben O’Leary is a first-year Internal Controls and Automation Technician apprentice at Southern Water. After deciding he wanted a more hands-on career path, Ben chose an apprenticeship as a practical and rewarding way to develop technical skills while gaining real workplace experience.
“At this point in my life, I felt like I needed to do something more manual. The opportunity with Southern Water and IPS felt like a really good fit for someone like me.”
Starting the Apprenticeship Journey
Before starting his apprenticeship, Ben didn’t know anyone who had completed one and wasn’t entirely sure what to expect. After researching the programme and beginning his training, he was pleasantly surprised by the level of support available.
“I didn’t really know what to expect at first, but I was genuinely surprised by how supportive both my workplace and IPS have been. The induction process was clear and straightforward, and I felt well informed from the start.”
Thanks to the structured induction, Ben quickly settled into the routine and felt confident starting his apprenticeship.
Learning That Makes a Difference
Throughout his apprenticeship, Ben has developed a strong foundation of skills that directly support his role at Southern Water. His training covers a broad range of areas, including health and safety, manual techniques, mathematics, electronics and electrical principles and engineering maintenance.
“All of that together has given me a really good background and introduction into what I’ll be doing at work. It helps me understand what’s happening on site and why things are done in certain ways.”
One of the most valuable lessons he has learnt is the importance of patience.
“I’ve been learning how to slow down and not rush, especially when working with wires and tools. Taking my time has made a big difference to the quality of my work."
Ben has also been able to put his training directly into practice.
“I remember learning how to take apart certain instrumentation during training, then going back to work and actually using that knowledge on the job."
Growing Confidence in the Workplace
As Ben progresses through his apprenticeship, his confidence at work has noticeably increased.
“Learning the technical background behind what I’m doing has really helped. It means I can approach tasks with more confidence and understand the reasons behind them."
While his responsibilities have remained relatively consistent so far, due to the specialist nature of the role and the split between college and workplace learning, Ben recognises that these will grow as he gains experience.
Balancing Work, Training, and Life
Ben finds that the structure of the apprenticeship fits well with both his work and personal life. The block learning format - four weeks at college followed by time back in the workplace - allows him to consolidate his learning and reconnect with colleagues.
“It works really well. You get time to focus on learning, then go back to work, catch up with managers and colleagues, and put things into practice."
Looking to the Future
Since starting his apprenticeship, Ben’s outlook on his future has broadened significantly.
“It’s opened my eyes to how many opportunities are out there. Not just within my current role at Southern Water, but also if I ever wanted to branch out into a different field."
He strongly recommends an apprenticeship to others, especially those looking for practical skills and long-term career development.
“It’s a great way to build skills that help you at work and outside of work too, even things around the house or with your car. It gives you confidence to approach tasks you might not have before."
What Being an Apprentice Means
For Ben, being an apprentice is about more than just learning a trade.
“It means being part of the next generation of people who are keeping infrastructure and essential services running. It feels good knowing you’re learning skills that really matter."
Ben’s experience shows how apprenticeships can build skills, confidence, and a sense of purpose in a real-world career.