Ten years ago, Nathanael Ellis left school in London with 10 GCSEs and, uncertain about what he wanted to do next, he applied to Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks (SSEN) to be an apprentice. Today, he was invited to a reception held at 10 Downing Street to celebrate a decade of Apprenticeship Week, which has run this year from 6 to 10 March.
Twenty-five-year-old Nathanael now works as a Connections Manager for Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks - based in their West London Depot - and was one of just ten former apprentices chosen to meet Apprenticeships Skills Minister, Robert Halfon at Number 10 for a cup of tea and a chat.
Nathanael has build a successful career on the back of his apprenticeship, graduating to a managerial position at the age of just 22. As well as being paid while he was learning, Nathanael has gained skills in an industry that enables him to work across the globe and you can hear more by clicking on the image above or here to watch our short video.
If you've been inspired by Nathanael's story, you can find out more about the four apprenticeship programmes that Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks (SSEN) has to offer by going to:www.ssen.co.uk/Careers/Apprenticeships/.
SSEN's business is powered by talented, enthusiastic people in a whole range of roles - supporting, co-ordinating and driving the business to meet our responsibilities and achieve our goals. Join us and you'll be part of a unique task force dedicated to looking after our customers and powering our community.
Applications for the latest intake of apprentices closes on Sunday 19 March.