From college to career

How a multi-trades apprenticeship set me on the path to joinery

I joined NCHA in July 2024 as a Multi-trade Apprentice in Property Services.

I was 17 years old and after my GCSEs I’d done a year at college studying bricklaying. Although I’d enjoyed it, I knew it wasn’t what wanted to do as a trade, so I was looking for something else to do next.

It was my stepdad who told me about the Multi-trades apprenticeships at NCHA. He works for NCHA too, but that didn’t get me any special treatment, I still applied and went through the recruitment process like everyone else. I was really pleased when I heard I got one of four positions.  The idea of continuing to learn new skills but also work and get paid really appealed to me.

Studying with Access

We were enrolled with Access Training to study for a Property Maintenance Operative (PMO) Apprenticeship Level two. This course gave us all a chance to learn about plumbing, painting, joinery and plastering, before choosing which area we would like to specialise in.

We went to Access one day a fortnight to receive practical training and then spent the rest of the time out learning on the job with different Property Services teams. We also spent some time with Technical Inspectors, Customer Experience and planning to understand the full customer journey.

Learning from colleagues

I learnt a huge amount in my first year. It wasn’t just the practical trades skills either, it was watching how the operatives with many years of experience juggle their workloads, speak to customers and work in their homes. I’ve seen all sorts of scenarios and it’s a lot different to learning in a classroom!

Most of the time customers are very nice to us, offering cups of tea and enjoying a chat, but sometimes they’re annoyed when we don’t arrive at the time they expect or are disappointed because we can’t fix something first time. Learning how to handle those kinds of scenarios is so useful too.

After a year I found out I’d passed my PMO Level two. The end point assessment was carried out over three days. One written exam and two days practical overseen by an external independent assessor. These felt very relaxed and I didn’t get too stressed about them.

Focusing on joinery

At the beginning of the course, I thought I wanted to be a plumber but after working with the joiners I changed my mind and knew joinery was for me. I love making something useful and the problem-solving skills involved. I’m now studying for a level two apprenticeship in joinery, this time with PFP Thrive. Signing up for that was a no brainer for me, I knew what to expect this time around.

I now work in the programmed work and voids team. Much of our work is big projects like new kitchens or getting empty homes ready for their new residents. I’m still learning a lot on the job from the guys who’ve been joiners for years. I’m optimistic that I’ll pass my joinery apprenticeship and keep working for NCHA as a joiner beyond that.

For now, I think I’m in exactly the right place. While some of mates are starting university courses, I’ve already started my career and I’m earning money while getting qualified too. I’d recommend an apprenticeship to anyone.