By Press Release
National Apprenticeship Week recently highlighted the benefits of becoming an apprentice, including the training and earning opportunities linked to employment pathways.
My apprenticeship journey started as I was nearing the end of my school years (I went to Shanklin Primary, Lake Middle and then Sandown High schools), and I was actively involved in local sport and wanted to realise my potential in the community where I grew up.
I was very mindful that university was probably not for me, not least because loan costs would have meant getting my own place would be more difficult to achieve, and I also wanted to travel and experience places around the world without racking up debt.
Listening to career advice, I decided to go to the Isle of Wight College and enrol on a carpentry course. I achieved a diploma and, en route, built sheds for friends and family, which added to my experience and knowledge base.
I was fortunate to be offered, and accepted, a carpentry apprenticeship with local Island firm, Stoneham Construction, and this really opened up further opportunities.
On completing this apprenticeship, I wanted to go into management and Barratts offered me the position of apprentice site manager. This was based on the Island (at their Newport site, followed by a role at East Cowes), and with this position came the chance to train at the Southampton City College, where I completed an NVQ in construction in the built environment, alongside training on the job with a regular income.
I relished the opportunities this role gave me. It included being given the chance to manage the first project in the country whereby apprentices built a community centre. Based in Havant, the development attracted visits from various MPs, including the then housing minister, Brandon Lewis.
In 2016 I was named the national Barratt Apprentice of the Year, as well as runner-up in the National Apprenticeship Awards, with other awards and accolades to follow, including a Business
Excellence Award – at the same time as gaining further experience alongside a secure income.
My progress continued through the ranks at Barratt, and now I am a site manager and running the Barratt David Wilson St George’s Gate development on the Island, and I completed a degree in the summer of 2021.
I have been able to set up home in Shanklin, near to where I grew up, travelling extensively and still meeting up with childhood mates that have also followed vocational careers locally.
This pathway has also allowed me to participate in charity work, including helping out at the local youth club (Ellis Durand, a member of Island band, Wet Leg, also helped out and he also followed the apprenticeship pathway), football club, and, last year, I ran the London marathon for Whiz Kidz raising £3,500 for children needing wheelchairs.
During National Apprenticeship Week, Barratts, who have made a huge commitment to apprenticeships, encouraged me to give talks and make presentations at schools and colleges on the Island and along the south coast.
I can honestly say that the apprenticeship pathway has given me opportunities that I would not have otherwise realised, and I would always tell young people that there is more than the traditional ‘A’ Level route to obtain a degree. I have realised my dream without incurring the debt that university inevitably brings.