This week is National Apprenticeship Week. Through the Aylesbury regeneration, we have a number of apprenticeship and traineeship opportunities for Southwark residents. Email Valerie.Alaro@nhg.org.uk or call 07892 766804 to find out more.
Read on to find out about Nadine’s experience of getting into carpentry and how she completed a traineeship on the First Development Site of the Aylesbury regeneration.
Nadine hadn’t always planned to work in the construction sector. She had studied filmmaking and had tried out jobs in customer service and support. She first found her passion for carpentry while working at a community centre. She explains, “I was inspired by the woodwork my colleagues and members of the centre were doing…my team mate offered to help me make a garden planter box using a chop saw and drill for the first time. I remember just having a big smile on my face the whole time.”
Nadine continues, “I had not considered carpentry as potential career but I found myself thinking about learning more and more. Learning this trade ticked so many boxes for me. It’s practical, creative, varied, rewarding to help make something for others to enjoy that is both useful and beautiful and there is opportunity for continual learning. I decided after a few years to take a chance and leave my job to begin learning carpentry and joinery at college. I had a lot of fear and self-doubt but also optimism and excitement. I questioned myself whether it was too late for me to be starting a new profession at 27 but realised that no matter your age it’s never too late and it has been great to meet people of a variety of ages throughout my time at college.”
Explaining how she started working on the Aylesbury regeneration, Nadine says, “After completing Level 1 in carpentry, I knew that the trade was what I wished to do for a career. A friend from college mentioned that they had seen a sign for apprenticeships when they were walking by one of the sites and passed on the contact details for Valerie, who told me about the traineeship opportunity. I applied because the role offered the chance to learn and develop carpentry skills and gain invaluable experience of working on site for the first time.”
Since starting in her role, Nadine has had a positive experience. She explains, “I am working with a great team and am getting to learn and understand how to do different aspects of carpentry. It has been interesting seeing all the work that goes into a building. Working on site is physically taxing but fulfilling. The Notting Hill Genesis, Hill and J.L. O’Rourke teams have supported my training, been so welcoming from day one and made my first job in construction a good experience.”
Nadine’s passion for carpentry shines through when encouraging other women to go into the sector. She says, “For women considering going into construction, you can do it! Chances are you may be one of a few, if not the only woman, in your workplace, but don’t let that discourage you. Though it can be daunting being in a workplace with mostly men, start and see how you find it – hopefully your experience will be a positive one. I hope more women will give it a go.”
To protect identity, Nadine has been used as a pseudonym and a stock image has been used.
