How to become an apprentice at E.ON

E.ON is one of the UK’s biggest energy suppliers, but job roles at the organisation extend beyond just engineering. Here are four stories on four different routes into work.

Nicholas McFarlane is an apprentice customer service adviser and currently works within the Customer Resolution team in Nottingham

My role as a resolution reviewer involves reviewing customer complaints and working with the customer to resolve their issue, ensuring that the customer is happy and satisfied with the outcome.

I really enjoy my role and find it so rewarding to turn negative complaints into positive resolutions, and unhappy customers to satisfied customers.

Before joining E.ON I had various different jobs, including a few painting and decorating roles and a brief apprenticeship in construction with East Midland Homes. However, I’d not managed to find a role that really suited my skill set and that was a permanent, secure role with the support that I needed to develop.

I was attracted to E.ON as I could see the potential and the opportunities within the sector. I feel positive about my career prospects here at E.ON, which is a good incentive to keep my performance high and provides opportunities for me to progress further. I also have the support of advisers and managers which allows me to develop and provides me with the right skills to do my job.

Zoe Finch, 27, from Basildon, Essex, who was the first ever female engineering apprentice to achieve the Level 2 Dual Fuel Smart Meter Installer Apprenticeship Standard in England

I used to own and run a catering van selling sandwiches and other food, but realised that I wanted to try my hand at something new. I applied for the apprenticeship scheme as I thought it was the best way to start a career in something I knew I’d enjoy. I’d always been interested in working with electrics so when this opportunity came up I couldn’t have been happier.

All of what I’ve learned and experienced will definitely prove valuable in the future. I’m always looking to better the skills I already have and to learn and experience new things, so my future at E.ON could hold many possibilities for me. I’d like to be a tech specialist once I’ve gained enough experience and become the best at what I do.

Ben Flynn is an apprentice in credit control, currently working as a customer service specialist at E.ON’s Trinity House office based in Nottingham

I’ve always loved to volunteer and helping others is one of my passions. My previous role was as a sports coach working with children with physical disabilities and mental health issues, however I needed to change career as it’s very difficult to find full time, permanent work as a sports coach.

When I read the job description for E.ON’s customer service apprenticeship scheme and discovered that I’d be working in a team that helps customers, I knew it was the right job for me.

My role is important because I play a huge part in supporting customers who are in financial difficulties by helping them to find a solution to ensure they can better manage their energy usage and put their mind at rest in regards to their account with us. I speak to customers everyday, so I can really help them and understand their situation.

At E.ON, I think that there’s a huge opportunity to go down whatever career path suits you the most. I have training and development every day at work and I’m always learning and improving through one to ones and getting feedback from my manager.

My apprenticeship is an excellent opportunity to explore E.ON and build a career path. The opportunities are endless and I know once I’ve completed the apprenticeship and gained my qualifications there will be many roles and opportunities that I can progress in to.

Heather Langsdale-Foster is a an apprentice in credit control, currently working in the Early Collections department at E.ON’s Trinity House office based in Nottingham

Before I started at E.ON, I began to study a BSC Hons degree in veterinary nursing at Middlesex University in London. After a year I figured that this wasn’t for me even though I had wanted it for so long. I found out I’m more of a practical learner, so while out in practice I was thriving, I struggled with the theory side of things.

After this I went to work as a customer service adviser for a children’s toy shop for just over a year. This was great because as well as building my customer service skills I also learned how to manage things in the work place, such as managing a stock room and deliveries. After a while I felt I needed to challenge myself and that is when I found the apprenticeship at E.ON.

I was first attracted to the apprenticeship scheme as it would give me a qualification that I could take with me anywhere in life, as well as specifically playing to my personal strengths in customer service and hands-on learning.

My average day consists of answering the phone and speaking directly to customers who are struggling with their energy bills and in need of some extra support. Once I’ve had a conversation to understand their situation, it’s over to me to look at how we can help them manage their energy costs. It makes me really satisfied when I help a struggling customer.

The opportunities within E.ON are really good. We’re constantly getting training to improve our skill set.