A WIRRAL man who joined Cadent as an apprentice at 45 years old has shown that the roles are "not just for school leavers".

The North West’s gas distribution network Cadent has reaffirmed its commitment to apprenticeships, as it began its search yesterday (February 6) to fill more than 55 posts. 

The company, which manages an underground network of more than 21,000 miles of gas pipes in its North West network is launching a recruitment drive during National Apprenticeship Week. 

Ian Barrow, 45, joined Cadent’s 2022 cohort almost 30 years after leaving school. 

He decided to retrain as a domestic gas engineer and, while gaining his qualifications, spotted a social media advert for Cadent’s apprenticeships.

Ian worked at Vauxhall’s car plant in Ellesmere Port building engines for the Astra model before taking a voluntary redundancy package in 2019. 

He said: "There were a few comments from people asking what the maximum age was – and the replies said there was no age limit, so I thought I’d have a crack at it."

The father of three is now learning to be one of the company's first call operatives, an emergency engineer, working to help keep people safe in their homes.

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He added: "I think it’s really fascinating, the variety of work I’ll be involved in – it might be a carbon monoxide incident one minute and then an outside gas escape the next. 

"It’s different all the time and just the sort of thing that interests me. 

"I don’t think age is a barrier at all. If anything I bring a lot of experience that I can share with the younger apprentices."

Last year’s cohort ranged in age from 16 to 45. 

'You'll be helping keep people safe and warm'

Jenny Moten, Cadent’s Network Director, North West, said: "Our job is to keep energy flowing safely and reliably to our 2.7 million customers in the North West. 

"To do so we recognise how important it is to attract the skilled engineers and commercial professionals of tomorrow – whether that’s someone taking their first steps into work from school or looking for a career change later in life. 

"We are very excited that this year we have opportunities for at least 55 apprentices, including many who will be based here in the North West. 

"There will be no better time to join us – you’ll be helping keep people safe and warm in their homes, as well as being part of the North West and UK’s journey to a greener future, with hydrogen being introduced to local gas networks.” 

National Apprenticeship Week (from Monday, February 6 to Sunday, February 12) is an annual celebration of apprenticeships and what they offer.