Pictured left to right: Nik Smith, Managing Director of Oakes Energy Services
pictured with apprentices Oliver Larvin, Chris Sime and Sam Weldon.
Commercial HVAC and renewables company, Oakes Energy Services is proud to support National Apprenticeship Week and recognise the valuable contribution apprentices offer to the business.
The company, which specialises in the design, installation and maintenance of heating, cooling and renewable energy solutions for clients, currently supports six full time apprentices.
Chris Sime, 19, works as a Design Engineer. After completing work experience in the sector, he left school and applied for a Level 3 Building Services Engineering Technician Course and is studying at Newcastle College University Centre for a Level 5 Foundation Degree in Electrical Engineering.
His role is to design and price Solar PV systems on commercial buildings and believes the apprenticeship has developed him quicker than going to college or sixth form. He commented: “Being able to be taught from leading engineers in the industry, also helps me grow more as person, as I am pushed into more scenarios like client meetings that make me gain confidence.”
Last year, Chris impressed industry bosses so much he picked up the 2025 North East Apprentice of the Year award at the Energy Efficiency Awards and is keen to develop further. He said: “I feel I have been able to make a positive impact within the office and I am now also a mentor to our two newer apprentices. I would 100% recommend an apprenticeship route to others, due to the real work experience that you gain within your dream industry being very hard to come by in the earlier stages of your life.”
Oliver Larvin, 19, is a junior design engineer and joined the business in July 2025. He initially wanted to pursue a career in sports and attended college to study sports science but after two years, decided he wanted to look for an apprenticeship in engineering.
He is studying a Level 4 Building Services qualification at Gateshead College and enjoys being able to balance his work and studies. He said: “I feel very supported. Doing an apprenticeship has given me the opportunity to learn new skills and expert knowledge from highly skilled individuals every day. These skills have helped me to improve my ability to complete my job role to the best of my ability and I have enjoyed working on a number of large solar PV projects for clients.
“I would like to improve my knowledge of the engineering sector and use my technical skills to be able to design, price and produce professional and competitive quotes. After completing my apprenticeship, I’d like to repay the support I’ve received from the organisation and try and work my way into a senior position.”
Sam Weldon, 19, joined the company in August 2025 after completing A-Levels at Newcastle Sixth Form College. He was always interested in an apprenticeship after hearing about the concept at high school and attends Gateshead College to study for his Level 4 Building Services Engineering qualification.
As a junior design engineer, Sam is responsible for designing and pricing Solar PV systems and is an industry he felt he was always destined for. He said: “I’ve always had an interest in climate change and a passion to help reduce the impact through green energy and Net Zero practices. The apprenticeship at Oakes has given me hands-on experience and to learn from others who have been in the industry for a long time. I hope to keep progressing in the company and become a qualified design engineer.”
Nik Smith, Managing Director of Oakes Energy Services, said: “The theme for this year’s National Apprenticeship Week is ‘Skills for Life’ and as an organisation, we are proud to support people to gain the skills and achieve the qualifications they need to build a career for life in our sector. Apprenticeships provide opportunities for people like Chris, Oliver and Sam with valuable hands-on experience to progress and develop further within the business and to gain the qualifications needed to work in our industry and we are proud to play a big part in that.”
The company is highlighting its commitment to supporting apprentices as part of National Apprenticeship Week – a week-long celebration (9-15 February) that brings together businesses and apprentices across the country to shine a light on the positive impact that apprenticeships make to individuals, businesses and the wider economy.