Thirteen lays the foundations for a successful career

The four newly qualified colleagues are beginning their career as gas engineers, after starting an apprenticeship four years ago.

Working in partnership with Darlington College, Jordan Morrison, Harrison Hopson, Jed Rowe and Tom Ellis have each completed a professional qualification while they worked alongside experienced trade operatives.

This week, as the organisation pledges its support for Gas Safety Week (13-19 September) the colleagues begin their new jobs – as qualified gas engineers.

Thirteen’s apprenticeship programme is a great opportunity for people to build a career for themselves and gain practical experience across the organisation, that helps them on the way to future employment.

Gas engineer Jordan Morrison had spent four years in the Army before joining Thirteen. He said: “I remember being told I’d been successful in getting a place on the apprenticeship four years ago and there had been 1,000 applicants. That was a huge achievement at the time! Then after applying for a job and being successful again, the hard work has really paid off.

“Starting an apprenticeship later in life, like I did can be daunting. I wanted a new challenge. I set myself goals and I was prepared to make sacrifices while I trained. Anyone can start an apprenticeship, whether it’s the start of a career or a decision to change career.

“We’ve always been made to feel really welcome and the teams who we have worked with across the whole organisation have all been so supportive. It’s a great place to work, so we’re all really grateful to have the opportunity to be continuing our career at Thirteen.”

Gas services manager Steven Brown said: “It’s been fantastic to see the journey that Jordan, Harrison, Tom and Jed have been on over the past four years and they should be very proud of their achievements.

“An apprenticeship is challenging, studying and working full time, but they have all shown determination and we’re delighted to welcome them into the team as qualified gas engineers. This is exactly what an apprenticeship is all about. They’ll be helping us keep our customers gas safe and I’d like to wish them every success.”