Young adult starts apprenticeship with Aster Group

Young adults across the South are being given the opportunity to develop a career in the housing industry with developer and landlord, Aster Group.

One of the business’ apprentices, Anton Lilley, 16, has recently started a four-year apprenticeship with the Wiltshire based company in its electrical team.

Whilst on placement Anton is learning every aspect of electrical work, from night storage heater upgrades, cyclical testing and inspections, to smoke detector selection and installation and boiler controls.

Alongside his apprenticeship Anton attends Weymouth College one day a week to gain his electrical installation qualification.

His apprenticeship comes to an end on 30 August 2021 and by then he would have benefited from four years’ experience and gained his qualification. 

Of his experience, Anton said: “After leaving school I started a couple of different jobs but wasn’t really enjoying them. I wanted a change in direction and this apprenticeship offered me a great opportunity to do something different while learning new skills.

“I’m really enjoying the experience so far and I’m learning something new every day. I like the freedom, responsibility and the ability to learn from experienced engineers which suits me more than a classroom setting.

“I’m glad to have found a place where I can develop a career instead of just a job.”

Karin Gibbs-Warne, from Aster said: “Our apprenticeship scheme is a fantastic opportunity for young people to learn new skills and to get some real hands-on experience. Anton has been so willing and eager to learn and is a great example of how apprenticeships are a great start to people’s careers.”

Aster, which employs 369 people in Dorset, provided apprenticeships last year in customer services, business administration as well as skilled trades such as electrical, plumbing and surveying.

National Apprenticeship Week runs from 5-9 March. If you’re interested in our apprenticeship opportunities, to find out more click here.