We had a chat with Gaz Grainger, the Learner of the Month for December!

The SPARKS Learner of the Month award celebrates students and apprentices who are passionate about the future of the electrical industry, going above and beyond in their apprenticeships to set the standards of the industry.

SPARKS has launched the award to recognise the efforts that students and apprentices have put into learning the trade.

Gaz was nominated by his lecturer, Dave Love, and was chosen as the Learner of the Month after a week of voting and testimonials on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook.

The award was sponsored by Electric Center, who sent Gaz a testing bundle.

Our runner-up was Joey Kelly from Eventpower.

Gaz, 39, was nominated for the following reason: “Gareth is a 4th-year apprentice.

“Gareth has just completed his AM2 with a score of over 95%. He tries his very best to understand all aspects of his qualification and NVQ. He is a valued member of the team and helps others when needed.”

SPARKS Magazine: Congratulations Gaz! How does it feel to be the SPARKS Learner of the Month?

Gaz Grainger: I’ve had people stopping me in the street – can’t get out the house without being papped, but I won’t let the fame go to my head, haha. But seriously, it’s a good feeling and it feels like all the hard work during college has finally paid off. Whilst sat in my van waiting for the windscreen to demist, the morning after it was announced that I had won I did get a neighbour come running out knocking on my van door to shake my hand and congratulate me though!

https://www.facebook.com/sparksmag/posts/2939177482761259

SPARKS: How long have you been in the industry?

GG: I’ve been in construction since 2006 but in the electrical industry for just over three years.

SPARKS: What made you want to get into the industry?

GG: I got into the industry by chance, it was a very good job opportunity at my current employer HMS that I couldn’t let pass.

SPARKS: What do you love most about it?

GG: I love the challenging interesting work, and the fact I’ve now got skills for life.

SPARKS: What is your day-to-day role?

GG: My day to day role for HMS is carrying out electrical upgrades on their social housing stock (AMD3 con units and LED lights).

SPARKS: What would you like to achieve in your career?

GG: I would like to now progress further by completing my testing and inspecting qualification.

SPARKS: What inspires you the most?

GG: Finding ways to solve challenging problems, and coming up with creative ideas inspires me the most.

SPARKS: What’s your favourite social media platform?

GG: Facebook and Snapchat.

SPARKS: What’s your favourite job to do?

GG: It’s got to be specialised lighting – no better feeling when you switch them on and the area is illuminated and the customer can also see the end result too.

SPARKS: What’s the best piece of advice you’ve been given in your apprenticeship?

GG: If you don’t know then ask! Feel a fool for a second asking the question or be a fool for the rest of your life not knowing the answer.

---