While nearly half of British people mistakenly believe apprenticeships are just for school leavers, not everyone shares this misconception.

Martin Coupland, 60 from Llantwit Major, is proud to be the oldest apprentice to ever train at British Gas’ academy in Tredegar when he started his apprenticeship last year.

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Coupland who works as apprentice smart energy expert, said: “I’ve spent the last 40 years working in different roles in the Royal Air Force and in civil aircraft engineering. I worked as an aircraft fitter and more recently I was self-employed as a technical instructor training aircraft engineers.

“I travelled overseas to train in places like Jordan, but I found that there wasn’t much work. So I decided to become a handyman, doing odd jobs like gardening and painting work. I happened to find out about the apprenticeship and I’ve enjoyed every minute so far.”

Refusing to consider early retirement, Coupland applied for hundreds of jobs and was shocked when he secured an interview at British Gas.

“I was sceptical at first. I applied for role as it sounded good and I like a challenge. I didn’t know what the role entailed. When they offered me the job to me, I was surprised and thought ‘good heavens.’”

A British Gas independent national survey has revealed that 44 per cent of people in the UK would not even consider an apprenticeship as a route to beginning a new career. Almost a quarter (23 per cent) think they are too old.​

Nearly a third of the company’s current apprentices are aged over 30​.

He said: “The training I’ve received has been excellent and the support I’ve received from mentors and trainers has been second to none. I’ve learnt new skills, including pipe-work and soldering. Every day I feel more confident in my abilities.

“I like that I get to meet and help new customers every day, it keeps the job fresh. A lot of our customers are older and when they find out that I’m an apprentice, they’re always pleasantly surprised!”

Coupland is now into his final month of training at the academy and will visit customers’ homes in Cardiff and the surrounding area once qualified.​

“My family were impressed that I got the job, but they weren’t surprised as they know what I’m like. I’ve been training for 5-6 months, then I was out on patch for 5-6 months then the last few weeks, I’ve been finalising exams etc.”

Although Coupland admitted to finding the initial experience slightly daunting, he has no regrets. He strongly believes many businesses would greatly benefit from hiring a mature apprentice particularly in sectors facing skills shortages.

“Some companies think they won’t get a return on their investment as an older apprentice will retire in five or six years, but I don’t intend on retiring. Even when I’m no longer earning money, I will still do something in some sort of voluntary capacity.”

While the research highlights misconceptions over who can apply for an apprenticeship, it is clear that people recognise the value of this kind of training. 

Almost a fifth (19 per cent) of people said that if they had their time again they would definitely do an apprenticeship, while a further 32 per cent said they would seriously consider it.

“Age is the essence of the mind…I’m physical and mentally fit. I enjoy the job, it’s great and gives me fulfilment and my enthusiasm hasn’t wavered. 

“I have a Cocker Spaniel called Poppy, who is 11 years old, but she acts like she is three. She gets my wife and I out of the house.”

“In the future, I’d like to possibly become a trainer myself, if the opportunity comes along. I would love to share the great experience I’ve had during my training and to inspire others with my journey,” added Coupland.