Success Stories: Bailey Hick, Level 2 Bricklaying

We caught up with Bailey Hick who is completing his Level 2 Bricklaying qualification at PJB Building – a busy and successful construction company – to find out more about his experience so far and where he hopes his apprenticeship will take him in the future.

“I’m far happier completing my apprenticeship than I was at school; I’m much more of a hands-on person. No two days are the same at work – one day I’ll be building a wall, and the next fitting a door frame or window. This means that I am getting lots of varied experience, which will help my career going forward.

“My bosses at PJB Building are very supportive and are committed to my training. They even create quizzes where I have to research different methods of carrying out tasks, or which tools would be the best to use. This helps to add to my industry knowledge, outside of my qualification.

“I really enjoy training at Skills Group – I always look forward to Wednesdays when I go to the Training Centre. The trainers are very knowledgeable and make the sessions fun and informative; it’s nice to take the time to go through the skills I’ve put into practice during the week at work.

“In the future, I would like to achieve my Level 3 qualification in carpentry so that I become multi-skilled. Carpentry is also the area I’m most enjoying in my day-to-day work. In the future, I have dreams of owning my own construction business!”

Congratulations Bailey and good luck!

I just wanted to say the biggest thank you to Vanessa, my trainer. You have made my journey so much easier, I don’t know what I would have done without you. You have been amazing and helped me to achieve my qualification. You’ve guided me through every step of the way, I really appreciate it, Vanessa, you have been my rock.

Katie Shorland, Level 2 Hairdressing

I always struggled in school as I wasn’t very academic, so knew learning on the job would be a better option for me. I would find it difficult to get up for 9am but now I wake up and look forward to my day. I wanted to try a hair apprenticeship as I’ve always been interested in hairdressing, and by the end of the first week, I already loved it!

Jaimee Benson, Level 2 Hairdressing

I have developed a range of new skills through work including the technical, industry skills required for the job, to personal development such as ensuring I am always on time. The biggest change since leaving school is adjusting to the independence you gain from earning a salary. My advice to anyone thinking of doing an apprenticeship would be find what you like doing, and go for it!

Will Birch, Level 2 Bricklaying

Since starting the apprenticeship, I’ve become far more confident. In a classroom, you only interact with your classmates, but through working you develop your people skills as you interact with customers on a daily basis. At school, you are closely monitored and parented, however I am now more independent and feel grown up

Sam Collard, Level 2 Light Vehicle and Maintenance Repair

The most important thing I’ve learnt since leaving school is that there are other routes to success than just academia. I failed my GCSEs, as I never suited the school environment. Now though, I’m really enjoying my apprenticeship as I’ve discovered I learn more through hands-on practice.

Ben Freeman, Level 2 Carpentry

I would just like to thank you and your team for all the amazing work they do, you have provided me with the most invaluable experience which has helped to pave the way of my future. The work you do for young people is incredible!

Luke Kowalski, Teaching Assistant and former apprentice at Sir Robert Gefferys School