For National Apprenticeship Week we went out to one of our East Lothian sites to catch up with Graeme Taylor, one of our 3rd Year Joinery Apprentices. Graeme talked us through the full ins and outs of his Apprenticeship and why he felt this was the right route for him.
Why did you feel an apprenticeship was the right option for you?
I always wanted to go in to a trade from quite a young age. When I left school it was during the credit crunch and there weren’t many opportunities. When the market picked up again I decided to go back to college for the Pre-Apprenticeship course which gave me a good opportunity to try out a few different trades.
How did you hear about the opportunity with Hart Builders?
The lecturers at my college told us about the opportunities. They also selected 2 from each class to be put forward for any apprenticeship vacancies and I was one of two selected from my class. I’d already done some site experience too.
What have you enjoyed most about your apprenticeship?
I really enjoy the hands on side of the work. You get a sense of pride when you drive past a completed site you’ve worked on because you know you played a big part in delivering it.
I remember the first time I completed a full kitchen on my own, it was really satisfying to know I’d done it all correctly and taken in all my training beforehand.
What’s been the hardest part of your apprenticeship?
Honestly? Junior pay. That first year is quite tough sometimes but now I’m in 3rd year I know it was all worth it and I’m really happy with what I make now. It’s also really good because Hart help you to buy all your tools and you can pay it back so you don’t have to pay out for all your tools when you are first starting out.
What do you enjoy about working at Hart Builders?
It’s just a really good working environment. Everyone is really understanding. I remember one day early on in my apprenticeship, I felt a bit clueless and a Forklift Driver said to me, “Don’t worry, everyone’s started from the same place as you.” It was really good because I realised he was right and there wasn’t really anything to worry about as people understand you.
I’ve also had really good tradesmen to learn from at Hart which has helped me develop.
What do you enjoy most about going to college while also working?
It’s a good environment to learn joinery skills as well as health and safety. I also like using the bigger machinery in the workshop which you don’t normally work with on site. It’s good to know how it all works.
What do your friends think about you being an Apprentice?
Sometimes they don’t believe me when I tell them the things I’ve done or about the skills I’ve learned. It’s really good when I can show them my work. One of my friend’s has actually moved in to a Hart house in Midlothian that I worked on.
What do you want to do when you complete your apprenticeship?
I’d like to stay on with Hart Builders as a Joiner. Maybe in time I’ll get my own apprentice to train up. I’d really like to do that and help bring through the next generation.
What do you do outside of work?
I go to the gym and play football and see my mates at the weekend.
What do you think it takes to be a good Apprentice?
I think you just need to believe you can do it, don’t doubt yourself. Learn from other people around you and don’t be scared to ask questions.
What advice would you have for anyone looking to take on an apprenticeship?
Do it! It’s really worthwhile long term. I think for people who are maybe just leaving school, it’s a really good option to go through the pre-apprenticeship course to help you decide what trade is best for you. I also think more women and girls should take up apprenticeships. There was a girl in her 3rd year when I started my apprenticeship and her work was fantastic!
Image: Graeme Taylor, Apprentice
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