Dana Sela: A Day in the Life of a Future Biogas Apprentice

Dana’s journey to Future Biogas wasn’t linear. Initially planning a career in law, she realised her true passion lay in hands-on, practical work. After consulting with a college career advisor, she pivoted to electrical studies. “I’ve always been more of a practical or hands-on person,” Dana explains. This decision set her on a path toward an apprenticeship that would combine technical skill development with real-world experience.

When asked how she discovered Future Biogas, Dana recalls an email circulated by her college, listing apprenticeship opportunities. After consulting with her tutor about the reliability and potential of various programs, she applied to Future Biogas. “I went through the interview and all the different steps, and here I am now,” she says.

Dana’s apprenticeship involves rotation between multiple sites and responsibilities. Her primary site is Merlin Renewables, but she spends time at Ridge Road Energy and others as part of a program that blends site support and maintenance rotations. “At the moment, we’re doing two months with maintenance and one month on site,” she explains. This varied schedule ensures apprentices gain exposure to the full spectrum of biogas plant operations.

A typical day on site includes conducting daily checks, monitoring plant readings, and troubleshooting issues. Dana emphasises the importance of learning from experienced maintenance teams whenever possible, as her apprenticeship is building toward a specialised role in that area. “I’ve really built on my understanding of how the plants work, what to check and why. It’s about knowing what’s normal and what’s not,” she notes.

When asked how the apprenticeship compares to her initial expectations, Dana admits she wasn’t sure what to anticipate. “I didn’t know anyone who had done an apprenticeship before, so I didn’t really have anyone to talk to about it,” she says. Despite the unknowns, she’s found the hands-on learning approach invaluable. “The time I’ve spent in my apprenticeship has given me experience I wouldn’t have necessarily received at university.”

Dana’s advice to anyone considering an apprenticeship, especially with Future Biogas, is simple: go for it—but only if you’re committed. “If you’re not going to be serious about it, you’re not going to get the most out of it,” she states.

For Dana, the practical experience gained during her apprenticeship has been a major advantage. “You’ve got the three or four years of experience, and you’ve already got a company that may potentially want to keep you on. So, you’ve got that job almost secured, and you’re trained for it as well,” she explains.

Dana’s journey exemplifies the value of apprenticeships for those seeking a practical, experience-based route into their careers. With Future Biogas, she has found a company that not only trains but also supports apprentices in developing the skills needed to thrive in the industry.

For anyone considering their next steps, Dana’s story is a testament to the rewards of taking the leap into an apprenticeship. Whether you’re pivoting from a different career path or starting fresh, Future Biogas might just be the opportunity you’re looking for.