When asked what makes his apprenticeship special, Max doesn’t hesitate – it’s the people. The friendships, support, and sense of belonging make every challenge easier and every success more rewarding. Here’s what Max told us about life at RWE Offshore Wind.
Why did you choose to do your apprenticeship at RWE Offshore?
I wanted to make my job work for me. Having worked before becoming an RWE apprentice, I knew I wanted to work in longer blocks rather than Monday to Friday. So, the idea of working away for several weeks at a time and then spending the same number of weeks at home really appealed to me.
I also wanted my job to be a career. Something with a clear ladder to progress within, and a company that would support me along the way. From the start, RWE shows you all the different paths apprentices have taken. Some go into teaching, some stay as technicians, some move on to become supervisors or managers, and others prefer office-based roles. The options are endless, and the company will always help you get where you want to, you just have to put in the effort alongside them!
How often can you go home?
Currently, as an apprentice, I can go home twice a month fully paid by the company. This is an amazing benefit that RWE offers, as it allows me to visit family or attend events without worrying about travel costs or logistics. The company makes travelling so easy and accessible for us.
Did you bring something from home that’s important to you?
Apart from all the usual clothes and tech, having my speaker or headphones with me at all times is important. I love listening to music in the background at social events, or in my room when I revise and study. I often find that listening to music puts me the right headspace to want to progress and it can often motivate me to go do the things I might not want to do but need to do. This may be revision, assignments, or emails but these tasks seem more appealing when I can zone in with my music or podcasts while I do them.
What do you like most about the apprenticeship so far?
My favourite part of the apprenticeship so far is honestly the people I’m with. Everyone feels like a big family. We have apprentices from all around the country, and we’ve bonded so well. Whether we’re in the classroom learning theory or doing practical work, we always make it fun and support each other when something is challenging.
We often go out during the week to play football or other sports. We often go out in the week to play football or other sports. We always make time to eat or socialize with each other in or outside college. Having such a close group of apprentices who feel like family makes it so much easier knowing that the next two to three years of learning and working will be spent with people I genuinely enjoy being around.
What advice would you give to applicants?
Don’t be shy about sharing what you want to gain from the apprenticeship and what you want your future to look like. This apprenticeship and the company open up so many opportunities to try new things and gain experience in different areas.
The company is so accommodating when it comes to helping its employees wanting to learn or experiences new things. Make your future look how you want it to and RWE are perfect at helping you by giving you this opportunity and many others.
