Harley Mackenzie, 20, works at SOL Services as an Apprentice Electrician while studying towards a Level 3 Electrical Installations qualification at MK College. He is approaching two years into his apprenticeship and was recently named as a semi-finalist in this year’s Screwfix Trade Apprentice competition, beating more than 3,000 applicants from across the UK and Ireland.

For Harley, choosing an apprenticeship over university was a deliberate decision. Harley says, “I wanted to follow in my grandad’s footsteps and become an electrician. I liked the idea of learning and earning at the same time, and developing skills in leadership, resilience and teamwork along the way.”

Like many young people, Harley found adapting to working life was one of the main challenges. “Getting up at 5am was something I really wasn’t used to. I’ve been doing it for nearly two years now, and it’s become the norm. Before, it was a real struggle, but now it’s just part of the job.”

On his greatest achievement, Harley says it’s been the development of softer, personal skills, including confidence and communication. “I’m now comfortable talking to all kinds of people, whether that’s a client on a job or the other apprentices on the course,” he says.

He adds, “The support has been really good from all my tutors. They’re great at adapting and responding to everyone’s different needs both in the classroom and out on site.”

Acknowledging he was fortunate to find the apprenticeship, he has the following advice for those thinking of applying for an apprenticeship: “Keep networking and talk to as many people as you can. The more connections you build and the more conversations you have, the wider your knowledge and opportunities become.”

Based in Milton Keynes, SOL Services was established in 2003. The company has partnered with MK College for many years, during which it has evolved from a small business into a well-established, leading construction company with a strong market presence.

A representative from SOL Services said, “Partnering with MK College has allowed us to develop talented young electricians from the ground up, and Harley is a prime example of what apprenticeships can achieve. In nearly two years, he has grown in confidence, skill, and commitment, and his achievement as a Screwfix awards semi-finalist is a testament to just how far he has come. We’re incredibly proud of him and look forward to seeing what he does next.”