Talentview Construction speaks to apprentices for National Apprenticeship Week 2023
Talentview Construction speaks to apprentices for National Apprenticeship Week 2023
National Apprenticeship Week is taking place this week (6-12 February). This annual celebration unites businesses and apprentices across the country to focus on the positive impact of apprenticeships.
As part of this year’s Skills for Life campaign, early careers platform Talentview Construction (TVC) spoke to apprentices from across the sector about what it is like to do an apprenticeship in construction.
Here are their tips and advice on applying for an apprenticeship and how to get the most out of the experience.
Kacper Suwalski, apprentice technical advisor, Elmhurst Energy.
“An apprenticeship appealed to me because I’ve always liked being hands-on and busy, so being able to learn and work at the same time works well for me.
“My advice would be to fully explore all the options. Ask your teachers for advice and make sure you study the subjects that will enable you to follow your chosen career path.”
Seren Latimer, procurement and supply chain apprentice, Wates:
“Before working in construction, I worked as a nursery teacher, but after three years felt like I needed a complete change. I’d fallen out of love with my old job and decided I wanted to challenge myself by trying something brand new.
“I thought the procurement and supply chain apprenticeship sounded really interesting and was something that was obviously completely different to teaching.
“My advice for anyone considering an apprenticeship is to make the jump. For me, it was really daunting because I had no knowledge of the sector, but I took the leap, and it paid off! Studying an apprenticeship can open up so many pathways for you in the long term.”
Dante Duhaney, apprentice electrician, Blues Electrical/Watkin Jones:
“The fact that all of the experience and knowledge, and getting a qualification once I’ve completed my apprenticeship, can help you get ahead.
“Personally, I think it’s a better option than going to university, but I guess it depends on what you are studying and how you prefer to learn. For those who do choose to do an apprenticeship, my advice would be to make sure you ask questions, even if you think they sound silly.”
Ashley Copeland, apprentice plumber, Kimpton:
“If you ever doubt yourself or feel anxious about anything you want to do, forget the negativity and pursue your goals. If you love what you do, you will feel unstoppable.“When you do an apprenticeship, you learn from two different spectrums – educational and what happens in the outside world, which gives you get a better experience of learning on the job.”
Sam Greenfield, trainee contracts supervisor, Donaldson Timber Systems:
“My apprenticeship is enabling me to add to my experience. It’s also giving me the chance to learn about new things and get involved in new areas, such as sales and commercial.
“It isn’t just focused on being on site, building kits and snagging. There’s a lot to learn about and do. For instance, the pre-construction and technical side of things.
Kelsey Binding, mobile crane operator, Ainscough Crane Hire
“The best part of doing an apprenticeship is the real life learning, plus the fact you get to prove your loyalty to a company and, if everything works out ok, you get to be employed by them full-time, which is the ultimate reward.
“For anyone looking to do an apprenticeship, I’d definitely tell them to go for it. When you’re an apprentice, you’ve got a lot of support and people around you, who want you to learn and do well.”
Paul Mulgrew, mastic asphalt roofing apprentice, BriggsAmasco:
“Go for it. They’re a great way to learn all the skills you need and set you up on your chosen career path.
“For me, it’s a valuable chance to add to my skillset, brush up on the latest theory and health and safety practice and broaden the range of projects I get involved with in the future.”
