the last word
conference
The last
WORD
The Apprentice
By Allan Lamb
I have been with Smiths SD Ltd finish this, so I could go onto luckily, really liked it, and have stuck
for almost two months now. Most finish the second year of my course. with it for almost three years now.
of the time I do void maintenance I found things difficult, especially Although, at the time I didn’t feel like
work, this involves clearing out as only one or two others in my class I had another way to go.
abandoned properties then were going through the same thing; Being laid off actually set me back
working to repair everything, most were still working. Then, two a few months; if I’d been able to carry
and bringing it up to standard months ago, ConstructionSkills got in on, I would actually be finishing this
by carrying out loads of repairs. touch with me, saying that Smiths SD year – but now, because of what
I normally work in a team of three Ltd were interested in hiring an happened, I’ll qualify next year. It
or four people – and sometimes it apprentice joiner through the AMS, got to me at times, but I’m quite easy
can take a few days to repair all and that they had recommended me going about things in general, and
the doors, walls and finish the for the job, so I got in touch with am just very happy that things have
kitchens. Smiths SD Ltd and got an interview. worked out the way they have.
When I got the job and found out Doing an apprenticeship suits
W
hen I first started at Smiths that they wanted me to start the next me because I like the combination
SD Ltd, I did a bit of week, I was so happy. of college and practical experience.
everything like going round I wasn’t nervous at the interview I know that if I don’t get to do
to clients’ properties and carrying out because I’d actually had another one something at work, I’ll definitely
maintenance work around Runcorn, that same morning, for a bar job, so have to tackle it at college, and I can
Widmouth, Wirral and Liverpool, but I felt confident after having some practice at work until I get better and
now I think I have settled into doing practice. Money was becoming real better. If I only did the college course,
Allan Lamb, 21, is an apprentice void maintenance work. tight so I needed to look for any job I would do something once, tick the
carpentry and bench joiner, When I was laid off from my to tide me over. I knew I’d rather do box and not do it again – so applying
currently working for Smiths SD
previous employer, I was out of work joinery though because I really wanted it at work would be quite difficult.
Ltd Building Maintenance and
for almost six months. The first few to finish my course. Everyone at Smiths SD Ltd is
Cleaning Contractors, based in
months were ok but then I got very Smiths SD Ltd also gets some really good to me. If I’m ever stuck,
Runcorn, in Cheshire. A former
bored and ran out of money, funding from ConstructionSkills for they’ll show me the best way
displaced apprentice, Allan was
because I wasn’t earning like before, hiring apprentices, which helps with around something – take me
laid off from his previous
when I was working, through my training costs. I am well supported through it step-by-step and explain.
employer, but through the
apprenticeship. I was looking but by my bosses – because it’s in their They have expert knowledge and
ConstructionSkills Apprenticeship
there weren’t any jobs around. interest for me to do well to, especially understanding of the trade and how
Matching Service (AMS) Allan
Christmas last year was the worst if I stay on after qualifying. the business works, which I find very
was matched with a new
time. I was laid off over the holidays It’s exciting to work for a firm that interesting. Our health and safety
employer. His appointment at
when Wirral Metropolitan College is dedicated to planning for the future; personnel manager Brian Leacy also
was closed so I had all that time to it makes me feel a lot safer in my job provides training sessions such as
Smiths SD Ltd has meant he was
worry if I could even finish the course. knowing they have a long term plan. working at height and equality and
able to complete his second year
I eventually found out that I could Us apprentices help too because we’re diversity, which is really useful.
and he looks forward to starting
when it re-opened in the New Year. very busy too, doing social housing The best part of my job is getting
his final year in September. For
But, at the time, I didn’t know if I’d refits and refurbishments. to see the finished product that you
more information visit
just wasted a year of my life. Joinery wasn’t something that have had a hand in creating. I like
www.cskills.org.
Even after I’d been laid off, I I ever chose. My grades at school knowing how everything is put
continued going every week and I weren’t great and I didn’t do too well together, simply because before
always asked my tutors if they knew in Sixth Form College. Afterwards, I I didn’t have a clue.
of any suitable jobs for me. knew that a trade would be good for I definitely have first-hand
My tutors helped me out a lot, me – something that I could fall back experience of the downturn because it
especially with my work-based on – something useful to have and do, put me out of work, but I am now in a
evidence coursework. It is a portfolio because my apprenticeship will be a job that I really enjoy, and what’s more
of 13 photographs with detailed nationally-recognised qualification that – I’m really busy; a completely
briefs of the different jobs I have I can take with me anywhere. I was different situation compared to six
done, and what was involved. They introduced to joinery by my Dad’s months ago when I was bored. ■
went out of their way to help me friend and I just gave it a go and,
British Builder & Developer 33
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