Katie Dobson, Property Maintenance Study Programme

Katie started a different course at college but realised it wasn’t right for her;

“I’ve always enjoyed learning in a practical environment. When I saw the Property Maintenance programme, it appealed to me as I could try lots of different trades and discover what I really like. I am gaining experience in multiple trades and the best thing is, I can use all these skills in or out of the workplace. I can now paint my room at home, I could tile a kitchen or make things out of wood, how amazing is that!

“My favourite trade is painting & decorating so now I’m coming to the end of my course and thinking about work placements and an apprenticeship, I feel so much more confident in my decisions and what path I want to go down.

“I now have a work placement lined up with a really great painting and decorating company and I’m super excited! I’m going to try my hardest and hopefully secure an apprenticeship at the end.

“My trainers have been a huge part of my experience and I am really grateful to have them. They make the course enjoyable and I look forward to my time in college. They treat me with respect and have built a relationship with me as an adult. I have the freedom to manage my work knowing that I will achieve something really good in the long term.

“In the future I want to work within an established business where I am doing different work all the time. My long term goal though, is to eventually start my own business and celebrate women in the construction industry.”

Mike, Katie’s Trainer says, “Katie is fantastic; she’s motivated and enthusiastic and that’s what we look for in great tradespeople. Plus she produces work to a very high standard and she really listens and concentrates on the tasks she’s asked to do. I have no doubt she’ll be a great asset to a building firm in the future.”

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