Employer: S R Brown Ltd - Commercial and Domestic Plumbing and Heating Engineers, Morecambe

Why did you choose to do an Apprenticeship?
Plumbing has always been a career that has interested me and a skill that I can take anywhere.

What are the best things about your Apprenticeship?
I like the idea that I’ll have a qualification at the end of my course, plus I’m constantly learning new skills and building confidence along the way.

How does your time spent at College help with your Apprenticeship?
I find that the time at College helps greatly with the theory side of my job, as in the workplace my Apprenticeship is all practical.

What has been your biggest accomplishment during your Apprenticeship?
I was selected to go to Denmark for three weeks representing the College to exchange ideas and learn different ways of working. I was involved in laying underfloor heating and learnt how a plumbing company operates overseas, which was a great experience.

Comments from Ben’s employer - Steven Brown

Why did you choose to have an Apprentice?
To upskill the workforce and meet the needs of our company.

What benefits to your company does your Apprentice bring?
Ben is able to carry out work on his own unsupervised, but he is also adaptable and can work well with others on larger jobs where two people are required. He is hard working, reliable and always takes pride in his work.

Course taken at college:
Level 2 and Level 3 Carpentry & Joinery

What are the best things about your Apprenticeship?
I enjoy learning more about the trade.

Why did you choose your Apprenticeship?
I have always wanted to be a Joiner and enjoy the day to day challenges that the job holds.

How does your time spent at College help with your Apprenticeship?
The theory side that we learn at College such as Building Regulations, is helpful and important information to know - I’ve learned such a lot from Derek our tutor since being at LMC.

What has been you biggest accomplishment during your Apprenticeship?
My biggest accomplishment has been completing and passing all my exams so far.

What do you hope to do when you’ve completed your Apprenticeship?
I would like to set up and run my own business hopefully in a few years.

Course taken at college:
Level 2 and Level 3 Carpentry & Joinery

What are the best things about your Apprenticeship?
I like to be able to take the skills and knowledge learnt at college back to my place of work and put them into practice.

Why did you choose your Apprenticeship?
I chose this Apprenticeship because I have always wanted to do joinery and this course helps me to improve my skills.

How does your time spent at College help with your Apprenticeship?
It really helps as I’m learning the correct practical techniques and my knowledge of theory side of the job is improving too.

What has been you biggest accomplishment during your Apprenticeship?
My biggest accomplishment has been passing all my Level 2 exams and Level 3 ones so far.

What do you hope to do when you’ve completed your Apprenticeship?
I hope to carry on working in the Joinery trade keeping my standard of work high.

Course taken at college:
Level 2 and Level 3 Carpentry & Joinery

What are the best things about your Apprenticeship?
I enjoy learning about all factors to do with joinery and also getting paid whilst doing it.

Why did you choose your Apprenticeship?
I chose this Apprenticeship because I have a keen interest in making and creating things.

How does your time spent at College help with your Apprenticeship?
My Apprenticeship gives me a better insight into the industry and more knowledge of the theory side of joinery.

What has been you biggest accomplishment during your Apprenticeship?
My biggest accomplishment has been passing all my Level 2 exams.

What do you hope to do when you’ve completed your Apprenticeship?
I hope to carry on working for Marthwaite Joinery and would like to hopefully be able to progress within the company.

Course taken at college:
Level 3 Carpentry & Joinery

What are the best things about your Apprenticeship?
The best thing is definitely earning money whilst having the best training to become a joiner.

Why did you choose your Apprenticeship?
I chose this Apprenticeship because from a young age I have always wanted to be a Joiner.

How does your time spent at College help with your Apprenticeship?
It helps me by providing opportunities to look into the theoretical side of the industry in more depth.

What has been you biggest accomplishment during your Apprenticeship?
My biggest accomplishment has been being able to complete tasks on my own and being confident in my ability.

What do you hope to do when you’ve completed your Apprenticeship?
I hope to become a successful joiner. I have worked with Bob Howard Builders Ltd for three years now and really enjoy the job. I would recommend LMC to anyone wanting to do an Apprenticeship in Joinery as Derek our tutor is amazing.

What are the best things about your course?
I really like the fact that the whole group all get on well and there’s a good atmosphere in the workshop.

Why did you choose your course?
I chose this course because I am interested in construction and hope to work on a site in the future.

Why did you choose Lancaster & Morecambe College?
I chose LMC because it is my closest college.

What would you say to someone who was thinking about doing the course?
I would say always hand your work in on time, and expect to get dirty.

What has been your biggest accomplishment whilst studying at LMC?
I would have to say building walls that I am proud of.

What do you hope to do when you’ve completed this course?
I would like to get a full time job on site and even have my own construction business one day.

What are the best things about your course?
It’s something I enjoy doing and find that I’m good at.

Why did you choose your course?
I chose this course because I was interested in the construction industry.

Why did you choose Lancaster & Morecambe College?
I chose LMC because it was the closest place to further my education and learn more skills related to construction.

What would you say to someone who was thinking about doing the course?
I would say it’s hard work, but enjoyable, and you also need to be physically fit.

What do you hope to do when you’ve completed this course?
I would like to progress onto the Level 3 course.

Courses taken at college:
Carpentry and Joinery Level 1 and Level 2 Apprenticeship

Employer:
J Dixon’s & Sons, Carnforth

What are the best things about your course?
I’ve chosen to do bench joinery as I like making objects and solving problems. I really enjoying learning something new everyday to improve my skills and ability in joinery.

Why did you choose your course?
I have done a full time course before this, and managed to get an Apprenticeship.

Why did you choose Lancaster & Morecambe College?
I chose LMC as it has a good reputation and is close to where I live.

What would you say to someone who was thinking about doing the course?
I would recommend this course to anyone as I really enjoy everything about it.

What has been your biggest accomplishment whilst studying at LMC?
Improving my joinery skills and also my social skills have been my biggest accomplishments so far.

What would you like to do after this course?
After my Apprenticeship I hope that my employer will take me on as a full time qualified Joiner.

Courses taken at college:
Carpentry & Joinery Level 1 and Carpentry& Joinery Level 2 Apprenticeship

Employer:
TwoTwenty, who make bespoke timber staircases

What are the best things about your course?
The best thing is learning the theoretical side of the course which is helpful for understanding more clearly how wood working joints work.

Why did you choose your course?
Having completed my A levels at school I started a work placement with a joiner as I have always been interested in woodwork. From this experience I chose to study bench joinery as opposed to site joinery at LMC and this was the best option for me.

Why did you choose Lancaster & Morecambe College?
I chose Lancaster & Morecambe College because it’s the best local college for me.

What would you say to someone who was thinking about doing the course?
It is much more enjoyable than you might first think.

What has been your biggest accomplishment whilst studying at LMC?
My biggest accomplishment so far has been winning the World Skills inter-college Carpentry & Joinery competition.

What would you like to do after this course?
I’m looking forward to completing the Level 3 qualification and continuing to learn and progress in my field of work.

Courses taken at college:
Carpentry and Joinery Level 2 Apprenticeship

Employer:
Lancaster City Council

What are the best things about your course?
I really enjoy making projects in the workshop. In my job with the City Council I fix various items, such as doors, so any practical experience at College helps me learn new skills.

Why did you choose your course?
I have been interested in Joinery for a long time and wanted a better future for myself. Getting paid while I learn is one benefit that I appreciate, while the experience I gain working on-site is another.

Why did you choose Lancaster & Morecambe College?
I chose Lancaster & Morecambe College as it was the closest offering the course I wanted to do.

What would you say to someone who was thinking about doing the course?
Don’t treat it like an inconvenience - it’s your choice. Go for it, work hard if you want to achieve.

What has been your biggest accomplishment whilst studying at LMC?
So far my biggest achievement has been creating a fully functioning frame with a variety of different joints.

What would you like to do after this course?
I’d like to progress onto the Level 3 course here at LMC.

Employer:
Phil Callaghan Joinery & Kitchens

What are the best things about your course?
The course is interesting and I enjoy working with the tutors and other students on the course.

Why did you choose your course?
I wanted to gain experience and get a qualification in Carpentry, and this course allows me to work as well as learn at the same time.

Why did you choose Lancaster & Morecambe College?
It is my local college and has an excellent reputation too.

What would you say to someone who was thinking about doing the course?
This is an excellent course on which you will develop new skills and have the opportunity to obtain a qualification.

What has been your biggest accomplishment whilst studying at LMC?
I have passed my CSCS test, completed half my NVQ assignments and hope to complete my health and safety and structural carcassing exams very soon.

What would you like to do after this course?
I’d like to enrol onto the Level 3 course first, and then hopefully gain employment as a joiner, and possibly obtain further qualifications in the construction industry.

What are the best things about your course?
I really enjoy a challenge and this course certainly provides me with that. I’m not the only female on the course there are others, which is good.

Why did you choose your course?
I decided that stopping on at school to do A levels was not for me, either a car mechanics or construction course is what really appealed to me. I started off doing the Multiskills course and enjoyed bricklaying and so progressed on to the Level 1 then Level 2 Brickwork courses.

Why did you choose Lancaster & Morecambe College?
The vocational courses were not offered at school, so I had to look elsewhere. As I live very close to college is seemed the obvious choice.

What would you say to someone who was thinking about doing the course?
I would recommend this course, it’s really enjoyable. Lots of challenges both in practical and theory sessions - well worth coming to college!

What has been your biggest accomplishment whilst studying at LMC?
My biggest accomplishment has been building a Flemish bond wall with an attached pier, which is a decorative garden wall with complex brickwork techniques.

What would you like to do after this course?
I would really like to progress onto the Level 3 Brickwork course here at college, as I’m really enjoying studing at LMC.

Job after college:
I’m starting a Heating and Ventilation Apprenticeship with Bowker Ltd

What are the best things about your course?
I enjoyed working in groups and doing the bigger tasks on the course such as a Bathroom. I also enjoyed finishing frames and tasks after they were pressure tested and proven to work.

Why did you choose your course?
I wanted to work within a trade that can be done not only in England but all over the world. I also found this trade interesting and a great challenge not only physically but mentally as well.

Why did you choose Lancaster & Morecambe College?
It was my local college, but having come to an Open Evening before applying and seen the workshops and other areas around college, I realised that this college has a lot to offer me.

What would you say to someone who was thinking about doing the course?
Do it but make sure that you are 100% committed to it. This is a challenging course but with the help of the tutors you’ll be is able to do it. I’ve enjoyed my year at college, made some great mates and learnt a lot about the trade.

Job after college:
I’m starting a Heating and Ventilation Apprenticeship with Bowker Ltd

What are the best things about your course?
The practical side is very enjoyable, especially working as a team on tasks such as bathroom plumbing. The trips with College are fun and gave me an insight into the industry.

Why did you choose your course?
I chose this as I believe plumbing is the best trade for me and this course will prepare me for work on site.

Why did you choose Lancaster & Morecambe College?
I chose this College as I live nearby and it was recommended by people who have attended previously.

What would you say to someone who was thinking about doing the course?
I would encourage them to do the course as it has the right mix of practical and theory. As well as learning lots, you will also find the course very enjoyable.

Course taken at college: Plumbing Apprenticeship Level 3

Is this the first course you have done at Lancaster & Morecambe College? This is my first Level 3 course, but I have worked my way up from Level 1.

What are the best things about your course?
The hands-on practical side of the course gives you a better understanding of how things happen within the industry.

Why did you choose your course?
I chose this course because I wanted to learn a trade. I’m a practical person and in life things always need fixing, which is what I enjoy doing. Also I enjoy a challenge and this is something a bit different.

Why did you choose Lancaster & Morecambe College?
I chose LMC because the courses are better here – I come from Kendal.

What would you say to someone who was thinking about doing the course?
“It’s a really good course – full of information with plenty of hands on work, giving you the skills and confidence you need in the trade”.

What has been your biggest accomplishment whilst studying at LMC?
I have learnt a lot over the years, but my biggest accomplishment to date is fitting a bathroom on my own with no help!

School attended: Ulverston Victoria High School

Course taken at college: Level 3 Plumbing

What are the best things about your course?
The best bits about this course are definitely the practical side where I can put into practice what I have learnt in the theory lessons.

Why did you choose your course?
I chose this Plumbing course because I’d like to become a Gas Engineering after college, and this course offers me a pathway to that career.

Why did you choose Lancaster & Morecambe College?
I chose Lancaster & Morecambe College particularly because they have a Gas Centre where students can learn more about that area of the trade.

What would you say to someone who was thinking about doing the course?
Do this course - it’s the best course in this area, and the best college to do it at!

What would you like to do after this course?
After this course I’d like to get a Plumbing Apprenticeship with a company such as British Gas.

School attended: Our Lady’s Catholic College, Lancaster

Course taken at college: Level 2 Plumbing

What are the best things about your course?
I really enjoy the practical side of the course.

Why did you choose your course?
I chose the Plumbing course because I’d like to gain a career within the Plumbing industry because I think it’s a good trade to go into and pays very well.

Why did you choose Lancaster & Morecambe College?
I chose Lancaster & Morecambe College because the facilities here are excellent.

What would you say to someone who was thinking about doing the course?
Go for it, you won’t regret it!

What would you like to do after this course?
After this course I’d like to get a Plumbing Apprenticeship, and work and learn at the same time.

School attended: Furness Academy

Course taken at college: Level 2 Carpentry & Joinery

What are the best things about your course?
I enjoy learning about different ways to construct various items.

Why did you choose your course?
I chose this course because I loved doing woodwork in school and wanted to develop my skills further.

Why did you choose Lancaster & Morecambe College?
I chose Lancaster & Morecambe College because I’d rather travel further to go to a better college than stay in Barrow.

What would you say to someone who was thinking about doing the course?
Make sure it’s something you really want to do in the future.

What would you like to do after this course?
I hope to go onto an Apprenticeship, or if possible onto the Level 3 course in Carpentry & Joinery here at Lancaster & Morecambe College.

School attended: Carnforth High School

Course taken at college: Level 1 Bricklaying

What are the best things about your course?
I really like building with bricks and blocks, so definitively the practical side of the course.

Why did you choose your course?
I chose this course because I didn’t want to stay on at school in sixth form. I‘m so glad I chose college over school, as there’s so much more freedom to be yourself here than at school.

Why did you choose Lancaster & Morecambe College?
I chose Lancaster & Morecambe College because it’s my local college, and I didn’t even consider any other.

What would you say to someone who was thinking about doing the course?
I’d tell them to join the course here as it’s great fun and you learn so much about the construction industry.

What would you like to do after this course?
After this course I’d like to go onto the Level 2 Bricklaying here at college.

School attended: Dallam School

Course taken at college: Level 1 Joinery

What are the best things about your course?
I enjoy every part of the course but particularly the practical lessons.

Why did you choose your course?
I chose this course because I’d like to be a joiner when I leave college.

Why did you choose Lancaster & Morecambe College?
I started doing a catering course at Kendal College, but wasn’t enjoying doing the course or being at that college, so looked to LMC instead. I am glad I made the change as I’m really enjoying it here.

What would you say to someone who was thinking about doing the course?
Definitely do it, you will pick up new skills everyday.

What would you like to do after this course?
I hope to go onto the Level 2 and then hopefully an Apprenticeship in Joinery.

School attended: Garstang Community Academy

Course taken at college: Level 2 Brickwork

What are the best things about your course?
I enjoy the practical lessons most of all, and the staff are friendly.

Why did you choose your course?
I chose this course because I’m interested in the construction industry.

Why did you choose Lancaster & Morecambe College?
I chose this college because my older brother is here studying Engineering and enjoying it, plus the facilities are great and the staff very helpful.

What would you say to someone who was thinking about doing the course?
Definitely do it, but begin with the Level 1 course. I found by starting at Level 2 meant I had a lot of catching up to do initially.

What would you like to do after this course?
I plan to go onto the Level 3 Brickwork course or an Apprenticeship.

School attended: Morecambe Community High School

Course taken at college: Level 1 Plumbing

What are the best things about your course?

I enjoy the practical parts of the course such as creating frames and making pipework.

Why did you choose your course?

I chose this course because I’d like to work in the plumbing trade when I finish college.

Why did you choose Lancaster & Morecambe College?

I choose Lancaster & Morecambe College because it’s the best college in this area, and my friend recommended the plumbing course.

What would you say to someone who was thinking about doing the course?

If they enjoy practical work and like assembling and disassembling items, they will really enjoy this course.

What would you like to do after this course?

I would like to progress to the Level 2 and then 3, or a maybe do an Apprenticeship in Plumbing.

School attended: Heysham High School

Course taken at college: Level 3 Brickwork

What are the best things about your course?

I really enjoy bricklaying, so the practical side of the course is my favourite part.

Why did you choose your course?

I started off doing the Level 1 Multiskills course and it was bricklaying that I was good at. I progressed on to the Level 2 Brickwork and am now doing the Level 3, and am enjoying being at college.

Why did you choose Lancaster & Morecambe College?

I only considered this college, I didn’t even look anywhere else.

What would you say to someone who was thinking about doing the course?

Do it!

What would you like to do after this course?

I would like to work as a bricklayer and try and get an Apprenticeship.