How did you get into the apprenticeship – and what were you doing for work beforehand?
Sarah Stockley (SS) - When I finished school I went to work in Italy as an au pair and had planned to join the army afterwards. However, I was rejected on account of health reasons so had to decide on an alternative career plan. I saw this demolition apprenticeship advertised on a Government website and thought it looked really different and interesting. Construction appealed to me as I knew I wanted a hands-on job.
So, I went along to a London South East Colleges' open day and took part in speed interviews with three companies. This led to further interviews and I ended up choosing Erith as I felt it was the best matched employer for me.
What does a typical day involve?
SS - Every day is different in this job and every job we do is different. I’m always on site and jobs can last anywhere between a few weeks and many years! The longest I've been on one site is just under a year.
I’m currently working at a site where we are taking down steel and brick work following a fire last year. Prior to this, I spent several months at Tilbury Docks dealing with damage caused by a huge grain silo explosion.
What kind of qualities do you need? And any specific qualifications?
SS - To do this job you need to be confident and willing to learn new things. You have to be prepared to get stuck in and work hard as part of a team. In terms of qualifications, I gained A-Cs in my GCSEs including English and maths. However, entry requirements vary so it’s always worth speaking to your local college or careers advisor.
What are the best things about the job?
SS - For me, I love the variation and excitement of my job. It has also made me challenge myself in different ways. For example, I’m petrified of heights but have had no choice but to face this fear – especially when I’m using a cherry picker 30 metres up!
And what are the most challenging?
SS - Probably the heights! This was such a fear for me and I’ve had to just get on and deal with it. Working days can be long and it can be tiring but everyone is so supportive.
Apprenticeships fell out of favour over the last 30 years as parents looked to Universities, but that’s changing now as they are firmly back in fashion as a great way to launch a career. How do you feel about that change?
SS - I think that apprenticeships are amazing and am so pleased I chose this route. Learning on the job ensures you get the exact skills you need, with support from experts who have been doing the job for many years. I have gained qualifications and established a great career – which I wouldn’t have done as quickly if I’d gone to university.
What would you say to someone reading the paper today and considering taking an apprenticeship?
SS - From my own experience, apprenticeships provide brilliant opportunities. My time spent on sites has shown me that experience really is everything and is the most valued thing when you are working.
So I’d say if you are thinking about it and keen to learn and work hard, then go for it.
And what advice would you give to people who want to get an apprenticeship?
SS - The most important thing is wanting to learn and being prepared to take every opportunity you are offered. Be nice to people, treat them as you would want to be treated and don’t ever be afraid to ask questions – everyone is there to help. Also, keep up with your college work!
And please feel free to add anything else you’d like to get across to readers.
SS - I’d encourage other women not to be put off from pursuing careers in ‘traditionally male’ industries. I’ve had such a good experience and have been treated equally and with respect from day one. The biggest issue is people simply not being used to having a woman around – so we need to change this! Two more female apprentices have just started on this apprenticeship so things are definitely going in the right direction.
London South East Colleges trains over 1000 apprentices a year in a wide range of sectors. Visit LSEC.ac.uk/apprenticeships to find out more about the opportunities available.
Grant Styles, Operations Director at Erith Ltd., says:
“Throughout Sarah’s apprenticeship she has constantly been interested in progressing her skills and learning all the different roles within the projects she has worked on. Embracing every challenge and setting the apprentice bar very high.
"Sarah brings a lot of enthusiasm to work daily and has never been afraid to get her hands dirty, achieving so much within the last 2 years and becoming a valued team member of each and every project she works on. I have no doubt that Sarah will consistently improve and add to her skill set and will continue to be a valued asset to our demolition team here at Erith.”
This article appeared first in The Sun online on Friday 4 February 2022
SN