Meet Alex, Jack, Kyle and Luke, our newest apprentices. They had been due to start with us last March but due to COVID-19 and the first lockdown which resulted in colleges and training establishments having to close and many more restrictions being imposed, apprenticeships were suspended until a safer time. 

That time came in March this year. Three months on, we caught up with them to find out why they wanted to do an apprenticeship and how they are getting on.

Q: Why did you want to do an apprenticeship?

Alex: I’ve always wanted to do something hands on and in construction.

Jake: I’m not good with conventional learning so this mix of practical and classroom learning suits me.

Luke: I did the three-week Site Ready Course and there was an opportunity at the end to interview for an apprenticeship which was successful; it came at the right time for me.

 

Q: What appeals to you about the construction industry?

Jake: The opportunities for progression.

Kyle: Good money! I didn’t enjoy school and learning a trade is a good fall back.

Luke: Construction is an industry that is always going to be needed so there are always going to be jobs and opportunities available if you have the right skills.

Q: What have you enjoyed most so far?

Alex: Everything! I’m looking forward to learning how to operate a dumper and a roller.

Jake: I was doing a manufacturing apprenticeship before and it was really boring and repetitive. This is completely different. The site team I’m working with have really taken me under their wing and are giving me lots of guidance.

Kyle: There’s always lots to do. I don’t enjoy just sitting around and every day is different which really suits me.

Luke: The people I have met and work with. And the variety of the work – it’s true, you never have the same day twice.

 

Q: What are your long-term goals?

Alex: I hope to become an engineer.

Jake: I also want to become an engineer.

Kyle: I’d like to get an excavator 360 ticket and operate various plant.

Luke: I want to set up a gang with some friends who are currently learning some other trades and together we want to be able to provide for our families.

 

Q: What would you say to someone considering an apprenticeship?

Kyle: I’ve already recommended this apprenticeship to a friend and he’s recently started with Salutem.

Jake: Don’t think twice. Do it.

 

Good luck Alex, Jake, Kyle and Luke. We look forward to seeing how you grow and develop as you progress through your apprenticeships.