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REFLECTING ON NSG’S APPRENTICESHIP SELECTION EVENT

Author: Molly Albone, Early Careers Co-Ordinator

One of the most rewarding parts of my role as NSG’s Early Careers Co‑Ordinator is seeing the next generation of talent engage with our business and envisage their future careers as part of our team.

Recently, I had the pleasure of hosting our Apprenticeship Selection Event at the Hampshire Court Hotel.
The day perfectly demonstrated our commitment to long-term workforce planning and sustainability. The key focus was on recruitment for three Electrical Apprentices and one Commissioning Engineering Apprentice. From over 300 applications, 13 highly motivated candidates were shortlisted to attend. During shortlisting, I remember thinking that the competition this year was of such a high calibre, which made it all the more exciting to see such a talented and enthusiastic group come together.

Plan for the day

Our aim was to create a selection process that went beyond traditional interviews. We designed a series of activities that would allow candidates to demonstrate not only their technical abilities but also the soft skills that are crucial for success at NSG.

The day included presentations, group activities and speed interviews. Each element was carefully planned to give candidates multiple opportunities to shine and for our assessors to observe key qualities such as teamwork, problem-solving, communication and adaptability.

One of the highlights for me was seeing how the candidates approached the group activities. It was inspiring to watch them collaborate, think creatively under pressure and support each other while still demonstrating their individual strengths. During the presentations, they showed real confidence in communicating their ideas, which was fantastic, as it’s something so important for engineers and professionals who will be representing NSG both internally and externally. I have to say though, that it didn’t make the down selection any easier!

The speed interviews were another crucial element. They allowed us to explore candidates’ motivations, their understanding of NSG and how they align with our values. We were looking for individuals who are not just technically capable, but who also share a commitment to our values. It was clear from these conversations that we had some exceptional talent in the room.

I must also take a moment to acknowledge the incredible NSG assessors who supported the day:

• Barton Hoyle, People Development Manager
• Cerys Davey, HR Advisor
• Greg Taylor, Operations Manager
• Joe West, Site Manager
• Jon Allen, Commissioning Integration Lead
• Kris Ellis, Commissioning Engineer
• Owen Lewis, Deputy Commissioning Manager
• Steven Purchell, Electrical Technician

Their professionalism, insight and dedication created a welcoming and positive environment where candidates felt comfortable to perform at their best. The feedback from both assessors and candidates has been overwhelmingly positive and it reminded me just how important it is to approach recruitment as a two-way process. We want candidates to feel valued and supported from the very first interaction.

Apprenticeships are a cornerstone of our approach to workforce development. They allow us to invest in people from the very beginning of their careers, equipping them with skills, experience and knowledge that will support their long-term progression within the business. Successful apprentices at NSG can look forward to structured development programs, hands-on experience and mentoring from experienced colleagues—all designed to nurture their potential and set them up for success.

My takeaway

Reflecting on the event, I am confident that we have identified some outstanding individuals who could become future leaders and innovators within NSG. The energy, curiosity and commitment they demonstrated throughout the day was brilliant. For anyone considering an apprenticeship with NSG, I would encourage you to bring your passion, openness to learning and willingness to engage fully because that is what we are looking for.

Ultimately, this event reinforced why investing in early careers is so important. By nurturing talent today, we are building the foundation for the next generation of engineers and professionals who will drive NSG forward. I am proud to play a part in that journey and excited for what the future holds.

A special thank you to Jane Houldsworth, Trainer, for her support in planning the selection event, and to Andrew McLoughlin, Trainee Internal Recruiter, and Maddy Green, Business Support Administrator, for their assistance with recruitment and administration.

Thank you to all of our candidates, and congratulations to our new apprentices.