Case Study: Burngreave Building, Jacob Watts
News
8th February 2010
Jacob Watts started an apprenticeship in Carpentry and Joinery in July 2008. Based at the HB Training Centre in Attercliffe, Sheffield, Jacob has also undertaken a placement with Burngreave Building Company where he has been placed for the last seven months.
“I’ve always enjoyed manual work. At school I did really well in woodwork, so this seemed like the right step for me to take,” says Jacob. “I applied for the apprenticeship scheme in Carpentry and Joinery through my local Connexions Career Centre who were really helpful in telling me everything I needed to know and how to go about it.”
“At first I was able to do a six week trial where I started to practice basic skills such as sawing and planing wood. The trial gave me a true taste of working in the industry and what I potentially had to learn. “I liked it so much that I decided I wanted to continue, and was offered a place on the apprenticeship scheme.”
“After the trial run I soon moved on to more in-depth training at the Centre and started to do jobs such as hanging doors and working on roofs. Its scary at first but with the support of everyone on site I became more confident in what I was doing.”
"The programme is run in such a way that you get to spend time in the Training Centre environment learning the important technical stuff, then you go on a placement with a building company. I have been with Burngreave Building, a local building and roofing contractor for seven months now, and I’m enjoying every minute of it.”
“The best thing about coming to a training centre such as HB, is that they find you a really good work placement. I’ve heard that some apprentices at college find it harder to get a good work placements. You get a good feel for what its like to the job for real and you get paid too!”
Nick Harris, Foreman at Burngreave Building Company comments:
“All in all there are great benefits to a company having construction apprentices on site. It gives the apprentice an excellent foundation to starting their career in the construction industry, whilst the business gains a valuable extra pair of hands. Jacob Watts has always been very willing to learn and has fitted in so well with everyone.”
Jacob’s instructor Bob Wilson says that Jacob is one of the best lads they have had on site. Bob adds “Jacob will make an excellent joiner, he has a natural ability. His communication skills are excellent and his time keeping is great.”
“I’ve enjoyed the programme so far and have no regrets,” adds Jacob. “I found I have benefited from working and learning at the same time and I’ve made some really good friends on site. In just a few more months I will have completed my apprenticeship and I’m looking forward to earning a wage as a fully qualified Carpenter and Joiner.”
Link: http://www.mylwa.co.uk/news/2010/02/08/case-study-burngreave-building-jacob-watts/
