Day four of National Apprenticeship Week and we're featuring Ryan, an Amey apprentice who completed his Gold DofE as part of his apprenticeship programme.
Ryan Brown joined Amey in November 2008 after he heard about the company from a friend. Ryan had been training as an electrical engineer but was keen to focus on engineering and his interest was captured by Amey’s unusual apprenticeship scheme.
He’d heard of The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award and was among the first to do his Gold Award as part of the Amey apprenticeship.
“I loved it; doing my DofE was one of the best experiences of my life. You get such a great sense of achievement from the expedition, I’ve learned lots of new business skills, and I also met my partner in the group!
"You do something extra through the Volunteering section – I did gardening at a respite clinic. It feels good to make that contribution and I’m still volunteering even though I have finished my Gold.”
For Ryan, the expedition was a real test of strength, as his group battled against the elements.
“It was awful, the first two days were tough and it was hard work to keep up morale. But it’s a very good feeling at the end of the day when the sun comes out. It makes you realise that any goal is achievable. It really developed my leadership skills; you have to find your way within the group.
“The DofE gave me more confidence and I feel as though I could have a go at anything now; I understand what commitment really means. It helped me grow up and I have seen others really open up; you go on an expedition and you get to find out who people really are.”
Ryan feels it has given his career a boost too.
“It has opened up networking opportunities for me within Amey, bringing me into contact with people I wouldn’t have met otherwise.”
For Ryan, the DofE is equally about getting out into the big wide world.
“If I hadn’t done the DofE I would probably still be doing the same old things, not expanding my mind or meeting new people, I would have been happy just doing the day job. I used to stay in a lot, but now I am much more social.
“I think every young person should do it (DofE). I feel very loyal to Amey because of the commitment they have made to me through the DofE – you can’t fault it – they are investing in you and you are getting the benefit.”
Tomorrow we'll hear about other companies who offer the DofE as part of their apprenticeship schemes.
For more information on National Apprenticeship Week go to www.apprenticeships.org.uk