From Bombsite to Building Site

LONDON, March 8, 2015 /PRNewswire/ --

Three Croydon College apprentices will be among tens of thousands celebrating National Apprenticeship Week next week.

     (Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20150308/732908 )

With the week aiming to show what a powerhouse for the future apprenticeships are, it's apt the three Price Building Services heating and ventilation apprentices are currently working at Battersea Power Station!

Steven Grove, Laurence Davies and Stanley Hyland are all enthusiastic about their decision to become apprentices and highlight just why apprenticeships have such a positive impact on individuals, businesses and the wider economy.

The trio also prove just how diverse apprentices are. Two, Steven Grove, aged 34 and Laurence Davies, aged 28, have Army backgrounds, seeing frontline action in Sierra Leone, Iraq and Afghanistan, while Stanley Hyland, aged 20, joined Price Building Services straight from college. 

Ex-Army infantry rifleman Steven, who is married and lives in Old Coulsdon, is unequivocal about why he wanted to become an apprentice. "I wanted a career in construction with a physical role and the opportunity to use my brain. I enjoy problem solving so pipe fitting seemed the natural trade to pick," he explains.

"It's hard work but really rewarding - and I get to work with a good group of lads," he adds.

Meanwhile Laurence who lives in Tadworth, Surrey, made his choice because he had family and friends in the profession.

It's a huge change in direction for him having served 10 years in the Army as a Royal Engineer. Even so he is enjoying the course. "The best bit by far is the practical. The worst bit is the key skills," he admits ruefully. But he has high hopes for the future. "I want to excel at my chosen trade and earn a living from it," he says.

Stan, who lives in West London, followed a more traditional route, having completed a plumbing level 2 course at college and a construction course in high school he joined the growing number becoming apprentices.

Croydon College is one of the largest providers of apprenticeships in South London.  It offers 23 different types of apprenticeship with more planned in the future. 

"If you're at least 16 and not in full-time education, this could be the perfect option for you, and National Apprenticeship Week is the perfect time to find out more," explains Frances Wadsworth, Principal at Croydon College.