Apprenticeships are for everyone – not just those leaving school

STANDFIRST / PfP Thrive is a new initiative from Places for People, the UK’s largest social enterprise. Drawing on its extensive insight into the UK housing sector, Places for People has identified skill gaps in key trades and developed a range of training programmes to address them. These programmes aim to futureproof the industry by equipping individuals with new skill sets while creating employment opportunities for local communities.

PfP Thrive provides the essential, in-demand skills of today that will help shape successful futures tomorrow. Its offerings include apprenticeships, technical and future skills programmes, organisational development, and housing qualifications.

Among Places for People most recent apprentice cohorts is Samantha Turner, who, after a decade in hospitality, was eager to make a career change. Today, Samantha is on the verge of completing her apprenticeship with PfP Thrive, with her End Point Assessment fast approaching. In this article, she reflects on her experiences over the past two years and explains why she would wholeheartedly recommend the programme to others.

“It was the best feeling in the world!”

I’m very lucky to be where I am today and getting my job with PfP really was the best feeling in the world!

I’m in a very different place than when I started. I spent the last ten years working in hospitality – a sector that honestly wasn’t for me! I was itching for change, so when I saw the PfP advert I decided to take the plunge.

I knew straight away that an apprenticeship would be perfect; I’ve always been very hands-on. I love painting, decorating, mending things, and fixing things and have always been drawn to that over a more academic path.

I began the apprenticeship in 2022, at 30 years old, and I think I was one of the oldest to do it, but I’ve felt so welcome. It’s a reminder that apprenticeships are for everyone, not just those leaving school.

Mentored by the Best

My journey so far has been great. It began with a week of online learning, covering health and safety and standard procedures. Then came the practical elements, for which I was lucky to be paired with Dave Ure, an incredibly well-established joiner who’s given me the best experience I could wish for. Dave’s worked in the industry for years and knows everything there is to know about joinery – teaching me pretty much everything I know today.

As a responsive worker, his department focuses on tenant homes, so I quickly got used to interacting with customers, which has been a valuable experience.

Dave is methodical and hardworking, and I’ve adopted this approach in my own work. I’ve always been proactive and taken pride in what I do, but when it’s something you love, it feels amazing. I think having the contrast of ten years of work I didn’t enjoy makes me grateful every day that I’m doing what I love.

Places for People is a fantastic company to work with, and the apprenticeship is a brilliant opportunity to learn with a supportive and efficient team. Throughout the programme, I had three monthly check-ins with Brittney from the Skills Academy, and monthly ‘Toolbox Talks’ with my line manager Derek, along with the freedom to speak to him whenever I needed. You’re well looked after here.

A Day in the Life

What’s so great about this job is the variety of work. It covers such a broad range of skills. One day I could be painting, the next I might be replacing floors or hanging doors. My absolute favourite task is fitting kitchens and transforming a blank canvas into something amazing makes me feel incredibly proud. You can see the progress with every fixture, and I absolutely love it.

After a few months with Dave, I moved to the Voids department to work with Barry Horne, who’s also been a brilliant mentor. He’s taught me a lot about plumbing and shared so much knowledge with me and really helped me get to where I am today.

Voids is slightly different because the homes are empty, so we sometimes spend a bit more time doing multiple jobs at once. It’s less pressured than working in homes with customers, which allowed me to get more hands-on. Both experiences have been fantastic and have given me the skills to work in either department.

As time went on, I was able to take on more responsibility, even completing jobs with another apprentice on our own. This really boosted my confidence, although it was a bit daunting at times! These experiences remind me how capable I am and that this is what I want to continue doing in the future.

A Bright Future

I’ll soon take my End Point Assessment, so my focus is on that right now. I’m not sure what will come after, but I’d love to continue working here as a joiner or take a Level 3 qualification in advanced joinery. I’m open to where the journey takes me, but I know I’m on the right track, doing what I love every day and learning all the time.

I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend this apprenticeship to anyone interested in joinery. It’s a fantastic platform to learn everything you need to know and hopefully start a fulfilling career. There’s also a new apprenticeship that covers both joinery and carpentry, so there are plenty of options for anyone keen to work in the industry.

For anyone looking to create apprenticeships for people who want to pursue a career in joinery, PfP Thrive offers a range of packages to support businesses in bringing new talent into the sector. Find out more here: https://www.placesforpeople.co.uk/pfp-thrive/