Charlie transforms family's future with carpentry and joinery apprenticeship

Just before his 16^th birthday, Charlie Horner's world was turned upside down when his father sadly passed away.

Charlie - a former apprentice at London South East Colleges - openly admits that without the loving support from his mother, he definitely wouldn’t be where he is today.

Charlie didn’t particularly enjoy his time at school and left without obtaining any formal grades. Despite the adversity that Charlie had experienced, he demonstrated maturity and resourcefulness by seeking employment so that he could help to financially support his family. After trying his hand at a number of trades, he found carpentry and joinery to be the one that felt most suited to his developing skill set.

To that end, Charlie secured himself a carpentry and joinery apprenticeship which specialised in fitting bespoke kitchens and wardrobes. Earning whilst learning, he would save every penny possible and when he could afford it, purchase his own tools and power equipment. With the help of traditional day release apprenticeship training at London South East Colleges (Holly Hill campus), Charlie soon became proficient at his trade. So much so, when Charlie went for his City & Guilds End Point Assessment test, he achieved a distinction grade for the practical activities.

Charlie says:

“I’m very proud to say that I am a skilled tradesperson and I’m looking forward to the next stage of my career. I have already gone self-employed and intend to set up a family business at some point in the future where I can continue to support my mother and younger brother.” After all, he does have his own tools!

Charlie remembers only too well how the only routes made available to him by his school were university or failure. Charlie felt aggrieved that apprenticeships were never promoted as an option and he certainly doesn’t want his younger brother - or other people in simliar positions - being disadvantaged in the same way.