Success Stories: Hannah, Level 2 Plastering Apprentice

If at first, you don’t succeed, try and try again…

After returning to school for her A-Levels, Hannah immediately knew it wasn’t right for her. Hannah knew she wanted to pursue a hands-on career; after talking through her options with her mentor at school, she realised an apprenticeship would help her to realise these goals.

At 16, it’s tough to know exactly what you want to do. Hannah came to Skills Group and began a Painting & Decorating Study Programme, she decided this still wasn’t quite right. Chloe, her Learner Recruitment Advisor suggested trying out some different areas of construction so she could gain an insight into the other trades available.

After trialling bricklaying, Hannah moved on to try Plastering. “I really enjoy plastering, it’s intricate and challenging but really satisfying to complete a project from start to finish. I’m so glad I was given the opportunity to try out different trades so I could find out which I really enjoyed doing.”

After completing her Multi-Trade Certificate in Construction, Hannah was able to secure an apprenticeship with MPC Plastering.

“I am enjoying working on my own projects, having responsibilities and finishing tasks to a high standard. I get on with the guys I work with, I laugh with them and never worry about arguments or people judging me. You have to have a thick skin sometimes but I don’t mind that!”

Chloe responded “Hannah is growing as a person, from the feedback I get from her trainers and assessors, she is punctual, positive and talented. She is confident, happy and is thriving in a male orientated environment.”

Hannah said “When I finish my Level 2, I would really like to continue working with MPC, so I can gain more experience in the trade and progress to Level 3. In the future, I would like to own my own Plastering Company – It’s nice to be a female in the construction industry I feel there is a great opportunity to create a business providing female plasterers.”

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