AS National Apprenticeship Week (February 5-11) gets underway, a trio of North Wales trainees are offering their advice to those considering a construction career.
All three are embarking on very different careers at Flintshire-based Anwyl Homes and are at various stages of their personal development. Ruby Jones, from Mold, is just starting out on her HR apprenticeship, while Matthew Parry, from Prestatyn, is training in site management and Thomas Miller, from Wrexham, has just graduated with a degree in architectural design technology.
However, they have all benefitted from Anwyl’s earn and learn training schemes, which see apprentices and other trainees paid to gain work experience and recognised qualifications.
Ruby joined Anwyl as a HR apprentice having gained outstanding GCSEs and A-Level results. As part of her apprenticeship, she will complete a Level 3 course from the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) in partnership with Coleg Cambria Business School.
She said: “Being able to gain office experience, as well as learning and gaining qualifications, really appealed to me. I can apply my knowledge from college into what I do at work.
“I enjoy being a HR apprentice because each day is always different and it is a dynamic environment to work in. Anwyl offers so many different training opportunities, which will help me to progress in my career and develop skills I can transfer to other situations.
“An apprenticeship is an amazing opportunity, especially with Anwyl. If university is not for you but you do want to continue learning, an apprenticeship could be the answer.”
Architectural technician Thomas joined Anwyl straight after completing his A-Levels in 2018. He has since gained a HNC in construction & the built environment and BSc (Hons) Degree from Wrexham University, from which he was presented with the ‘Outstanding Graduating Student’ Award. He’s now furthering his career prospects by undertaking Anwyl’s ‘developing leadership’ course.
On choosing a traineeship he said: “I liked the idea of being able to gain ‘on the job’ experience while also gaining a qualification.
“My grandad was a joiner by trade and, from a very young age, I had an interest in helping him and giving ideas on the design work, taking measurements, making models, and helping on the actual build. I think that’s where my passion for design began.
“There are so many different career paths within housebuilding. From my experience, Anwyl Homes have guided me from a young age, proving that they are not afraid to give responsibility to younger people who are just starting out in the industry.”
Thomas’s advice to other young people looking at apprenticeships is “to go for it.” He added: “I believe it is the best way to gain experience of the work environment from a young age.”
Matthew, a trainee assistant site manager, has already completed an NVQ Level 3 & BTEC Level 3 in construction & environment. He is now completing his NVQ Level 4 alongside a HNC in construction at Bersham College, Wrexham.
He said: “I personally believe apprenticeships have more to offer than going to university, as a company is investing in you, to provide you with the education and experience whilst working.”
Matthew, who also lives in an Anwyl home, is following in his father’s footsteps. He said: “My dad has worked in the construction industry for 45 years and with Anwyl for 39 years. He started as a groundworker, working his way up to be a site manager.
“My dad has enjoyed working in construction, which influenced me to start on this career path, as I like to be challenged on a daily basis. The training opportunities Anwyl provide are very good, giving you everything you need to excel in your job. I’m currently undertaking a developing leadership and management course, which will eventually provide me with the skills that will help me manage a site.”
For anyone considering a similar career path, Matthew advises: “Find an apprenticeship, 100%. It allows you to excel in your job role and gain experience alongside further education.”
