Can apprenticeships help you change career direction later in life?

Becky Gandy is an apprentice Painter and Decorator, who is undertaking her City & Guilds Level 2 Diploma in Painting and Decorating. She decided to follow her dream career path after working in care for a number of years. We spoke to Becky about how she did it.

Why did you choose to do an apprenticeship?

Previous to my apprenticeship I’d worked in various care roles. Although this is something I enjoyed at the time I knew this wasn’t my passion or the career I saw myself in. My interest was always in painting and decorating however due to personal circumstances after leaving school, I chose to work fulltime.

Later in life I felt the time was right to make the change. I was in a more financially stable position to think about completing the training which would allow me to full-fill my dream career. This is when I applied to a Painter and Decorator vacancy being advertised by Abri. I had previously enrolled on a self-funded Level 1 evening course which I felt would show how committed and interested I was in the position. However, while I didn’t have enough experience, I was offered an apprenticeship instead.

What has your apprenticeship experience been like at Abri?

I first came across Abri as a shared ownership tenant. I knew that, as a housing association, they would have multi-skilled trades within their business. When I looked further into the company, I was impressed by their enthusiasm for developing their staff and their values and behaviours.

Overall, my apprenticeship experience has been positive. I’ve been given mentors whilst in practice who have given me ample opportunity to develop and to show what I have learnt. And I’ve received great support from my manager Jason and my fellow colleagues. They understand I am learning, and so they always give me enough time to complete a task, knowing I may be a little slower but only so I can perfect my skills.

What do you love most about your apprenticeship?

I admit that I’m not a very academic person, so I enjoyed the fact that I was able to remain in work and learn predominantly through practice with just some classroom theory. I feel that as a painter and decorator, onsite learning is far more beneficial than spending most of the time in a classroom.

How is your apprenticeship helping you to develop your career?

My apprenticeship has enabled me to gain the confidence of my management team who regularly offer me additional training to complete other skills. This has included things like a wood repair course, Dulux colour chart day, and other opportunities such as plastering course and cherry picker training

What does a typical day look like as a Painter and Decorator apprentice?

Prior to starting a job, my manager will let me know where I’ll be based and who I’ll be working with. I then ensure all flooring is protected prior to starting any works, ensure wet paint signs are displayed clearly in communal areas so tenants are aware of work taking place and prepare the areas requiring any decorations as without good preparation you will not get a good finish.

During my working day I often come across tenants or their relatives. I’m always mindful that I’m not only representing myself, but Abri too. I make them aware of the works to be carried out, a rough estimate of how long works will take and enquire what is most convenient for them. For example, when needing to paint their front door, I’ll check whether a certain time of day is best, whether they are shielding/isolating etc. Our tenants always appreciate this.

What are your future career plans?

In the future, I’d like to complete further training to enhance my skills. I have a particular interest in flooring which I feel would go hand in hand with painting and decorating

What advice would you give to someone thinking about doing an apprenticeship?

Go for it!! I always say every day is a school day! My apprenticeship has been the steppingstone for my future learning and career.