Mastering apprenticeships - An interview with this year's Apprentice Award winners

Held as part of APSE’s Big Housing Retrofit Summit, and announced at a charity dinner on the evening of Thursday 13 October, the APSE Building Maintenance Apprentice Awards recognise the incredible work apprentices and councils have been engaged in over this past year. We caught up with this year’s winners to ask them about their apprenticeship journey; the challenges, the rewards and the advice they would give to existing and potential apprentices. 

Ruaridh Strachan, Fife Council - Building Skills Winner

What made you consider an apprenticeship with the Council?

Towards the end of my sixth year of high school I attended a careers fair and Fife Council were one of the exhibitors promoting their apprentice scheme. This gave me an insight into the possibility of becoming an apprentice stonemason. I was immediately interested in the Stonemasonry trade and the potential high standard of an apprenticeship with Fife Council was appealing.

What has been the most challenging part of the apprenticeship and why?

The most challenging part of my apprenticeship so far has been gaining confidence within myself. I was accepted straight from school for this apprenticeship and to start with I struggled with various tasks. Looking back on my apprenticeship I can now recognise that my lack of confidence is a natural feeling. I have matured both as a person and as a stonemason and have become more confident in completing the tasks I am given.

What has been the most rewarding part of the apprenticeship and why?

The most rewarding part of the apprenticeship has been working on local historic buildings and knowing that the work I am completing just now will help to maintain these buildings for years to come.

What advice would you give to people just embarking on an apprenticeship?

The advice I would give to someone who is just starting their apprenticeship is to always try their best to listen, learn and maintain a good attitude to their work. I would also say that you shouldn’t be afraid to ask questions when unsure and always try to improve.

Any other comments? Plans for the future?

 I look forward to finishing my apprenticeship and to becoming a fully qualified Stonemason. I am excited to continue to work on important and historical projects in my local community, and I hope to in future become a supervisor at Fife Council.

Philippa Boagey, Bristol City Council - Mechanical and Electrical Winner

What made you consider an apprenticeship with the Council?

I was very pleased to be able to embark on my apprenticeship with the Council as I knew I’d be with a corporation who would surround me with a wealth of experience and opportunities. Before I was accepted the position I was able to meet my future manager/ work colleagues and see the workplace. I felt very welcomed and at ease on this visit which for me was really Important and encouraged me to take on my apprenticeship specifically with Bristol City Council.

What has been the most challenging part of the apprenticeship and why?

The start! Looking back I really didn’t know anything at all, every day at the beginning was tough as there was so much to take in, learning to use the machines and tools. I made a big effort to write everything down and looked at failures as the best lessons. I wanted to be as good as my colleagues so I pushed through and now I’m worlds ahead of where I started and it feels even more of an achievement because I got myself to where I am now through a lot of dedication.

What has been the most rewarding part of the apprenticeship and why?

Achieving a distinction in woodmachining and of course winning apprentice of the year! It’s really great to see all your hard work recognised and also for my own self confidence in my work and progress.

What advice would you give to people just embarking on an apprenticeship?

My advice would be to stay proactive and productive with your time, with a wealth of experience around you. I’ve found everyone I work with to be more than willing to give their time to help me along with my work or answer any questions I have. This is still true two years in and probably 10 years down the line too!

Any other comments? Plans for the future?

I’ve found this industry to be very rewarding; the more you stick at it and persevere the better it gets. It’s most difficult at the beginning as everything is new but once things start to click into place it is the best feeling and very encouraging. For the future, I’ve many projects I’d like to achieve such as working with, and encouraging, women into woodwork, most of all focusing as much time as I can on improving my skills and being the best I can be.

For more information about how you can get involved with the APSE Housing and Building Maintenance Apprentice Awards, please contact APSE Principal Advisor Victoria Hacking on [email protected]