Apprenticeship Spotlight: Mackenzie O’Brien’s Journey at KeyIS

Q: What inspired you to pursue an apprenticeship at KeyIS?

Mackenzie: After completing a BTec in business studies, I realised I preferred a more hands-on and practical approach to learning. My dad, who works in the maintenance industry, suggested I look into KeyIS. When I learned they were recruiting a building services maintenance apprentice, it felt like the perfect opportunity to gain real-world experience while continuing my education. The chance to work on-site while also attending college for additional qualifications was a win-win for me.

Q: What’s been the most exciting part of your apprenticeship so far?

Mackenzie: The variety of work and the opportunity to learn from different engineers have been the most exciting aspects for me. KeyIS works with a diverse range of clients, which keeps the job interesting and provides endless opportunities to learn new skills.

Q: How do you balance the practical, hands-on experience with your studies?

Mackenzie: I study at Macclesfield College, where we follow a block learning schedule: one week of college every five weeks at work. This system works well for me as it allows me to fully immerse myself in college learning during that week and then apply what I’ve learned on the job.

Q: What have been some of the most valuable skills or lessons you’ve learned so far?

Mackenzie: Planning and communication are two critical skills I’ve developed. Planning ensures we arrive at the site on time and allocate enough time for the maintenance tasks. Communication, both with the service desk team and with customers, is equally important. It’s essential to effectively report completed work and highlight anything that needs follow-up.

Q: Can you share a project or task you’re particularly proud of?

Mackenzie: One project that stands out is when I replaced a full toilet siphon in the boys’ toilets at Chorlton High School. This was the first time I undertook such a task independently. I drained the cistern, removed the old siphon, and fitted the new one, including rubber washers and a bung. The lead engineer on-site inspected my work and praised the outcome, which was incredibly satisfying.

Q: What’s surprised you most about working in the engineering and maintenance industry?

Mackenzie: I’ve been surprised by how much the industry still relies on engineers’ skills for servicing and repairs, despite advancements in technology. There’s also a lot of room for innovation, which is exciting for someone starting in the field.

Q: How is KeyIS helping you prepare for your future career?

Mackenzie: The apprenticeship has been instrumental in my growth. It’s helping me develop my technical skills in building services maintenance, as well as soft skills like time management, teamwork, and communication.

In five years, I see myself as an experienced maintenance engineer, ready to grow with the company and take on new opportunities.

Q: What’s a typical day like working in the maintenance team at KeyIS?

Mackenzie: My day typically starts at 6:30 am when I head to my first job. This could be anywhere from Bristol to Newcastle. The work is always varied—one day, I might be changing filters on an air handling unit at a school, and the next, I could be fitting new lamps in an office. We ensure all paperwork is completed and keep the service desk and customers informed.

Q: Can you share a technical challenge you’ve faced and how you overcame it?

Mackenzie: One memorable challenge was a lighting failure at a Towergate Insurance site. After replacing the LED light, we found it still wasn’t working. On further investigation, we discovered the light had been miswired by a previous installer. Troubleshooting and fixing the wiring taught me the importance of problem-solving and attention to detail.

Q: How has your confidence and skillset grown since starting at KeyIS?

Mackenzie: Both my confidence and skillset have grown tremendously. I’ve recently passed my driving test, which has given me more freedom to work with different engineers and take on new challenges.

Final Thoughts

Mackenzie’s journey showcases how a hands-on apprenticeship at KeyIS can lay the foundation for a successful career in the building services and maintenance industry. By combining practical experience with formal education, apprentices like Mackenzie are not only developing technical expertise but also gaining the confidence to take on future opportunities.

At KeyIS, we’re proud to support apprentices like Mackenzie and look forward to helping them achieve their career goals.

Interested in starting your own apprenticeship journey? Reach out to us about opportunities at KeyIS here.