As part of National Apprenticeship Week, a nationwide celebration of the positive impact apprenticeships make on individuals, businesses, and communities, we’re shining a spotlight on our own future talent by catching up with each of our four apprentices. Read below to hear from Elyse Cook – Apprentice Building Maintenance Technician.
What made you apply for the apprenticeship?
There are two main reasons why I applied for this role. The first reason was that I saw it as an opportunity to totally change my career. I had worked in hospitality for almost 10 years, and it was an opportunity for me to retrain and develop skills that I never thought I would be doing.
The second reason was my family. My family were really supportive and encouraging during the hiring process. This really gave me confidence that I was doing the right thing by beginning a new job.
What advice would you give someone considering an apprenticeship?
Go for it! 100% go for it, apprenticeships can be suitable for anybody. I never imagined that I would be doing the job that I do now, and I absolutely love it. That is all accountable to my apprenticeship.
What opportunities are you excited about next?
The practical training. I have recently achieved my PASMA ticket, and I am looking forward to other practical training opportunities that might arise.
How has your apprenticeship changed the way you see your future career?
It’s completely flipped it on its head, but in the best way. This is a job that I never imagined I would be doing but I now wouldn’t change it. Every day is different, and the variety of my job makes it really interesting. I am constantly learning and developing my skills, and I am excited to see them continue to develop as my confidence grows.
How do you hope to make an impact in your industry?
I would hope I would encourage more women to get involved in construction/building maintenance industry (my college course is titled construction maintenance), and also to encourage people to put themselves out of their comfort zone and try something new. It might be the best decision they could make; I feel it was for me.
How has being an apprentice helped you grow personally as well as professionally?
I think my apprenticeship has helped me to regain confidence in myself and has encouraged me to put myself out there and learn something new. I am proud of my job, and I am proud to tell people what I do for a job. I go home at the end of the day with a sense of pride in my work and look forward to what I might be doing the next day. I am really happy and content in my apprenticeship.