Success Stories: Ethan Doidge, Carpentry Level 2

We caught up with Ethan Doidge, who completed his Level 2 Carpentry apprenticeship at Absolute Fencing and Decking – a top specialist carpentry firm based in Plymouth and the South West. Ethan is now about to embark on his Level 3 qualification at the company. We caught up with Ethan to find out more about his apprenticeship and his experience working at the company.

“I used to work on DIY jobs around the house with my Grandad, which made me realise I wanted to go into carpentry. I chose to do an apprenticeship as I wanted to gain the experience while achieving my qualification and learn on the job.

“The work at Absolute Fencing and Decking is very varied. I work on fencing and decking, roofs, pagodas and even spas and saunas! The team is extremely supportive and has invested a lot of time in my training to ensure my skills are the best they can be. I’m treated as an equal; we have a company ethos of “one hand” which means we all work to the same high standard.

“I love what I do and who I work with – even the rainy days do not put me off! I’m looking forward to starting my Level 3 carpentry apprenticeship and in the future I’d like to keep developing my skills and progress through the trade.

“I would definitely recommend the apprenticeship route. My advice to others thinking of doing an apprenticeship would be to work hard and be committed. If you know that you want to go into a particular construction trade, such as carpentry, I’d also recommend looking for an employer who specialises in that field instead of general build; this will ensure you spend the most time practicing the trade you’re interested in.”

Well done Ethan and good luck as you progress onto your Level 3 apprenticeship!

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