The spark to invest in T Level students and apprentices

Leicester-based Lewin Electrical Services Limited offers a range of services for domestic and business properties including the design, installation, repairs, maintenance and testing of electrical circuits, plus emergency lighting and fire alarm systems.

Daniel Lewin started the business 10 years ago after being made redundant. As the business became established and grew, Daniel looked at the opportunities provided by apprentices and T Level work placements.

A first foray into apprenticeships

Daniel says: “It wasn’t on our radar originally, but people started calling me about apprentices. One of the calls was from Leicester College and we initially took on one apprentice.

“We nurtured him over two years of his course and got him to the point where he could be left on his own. Unfortunately, he moved on, although we are now talking to him about coming back to work for us again.”

Lewin Electrical Services Limited has since taken on several more T Level students from Leicester College. They are looking into taking on another apprentice in the future.

T Level students ‘spot on’

Through a personal contact, Daniel also heard about taking on T Level students.

“The T Level students that have come to us from Leicester College have largely been brilliant. We’re currently talking to one T Level student about coming back to work with us and I’ve spoken to other businesses about taking on T Level students,” continues Daniel.

“The T Level side is spot on. As a business, you can 'try before you buy', see how the student is and help to mould them into perfect apprentice material. By investing in their training, we like to make them feel part of the business.

“We’ve really enjoyed our experience with T Level students and have a great relationship with the College. As well as T Level students, we’ve worked with them on apprentices and on the installation of the new green technology hub at the College’s Freemen’s Park Campus.”