Cain building career in construction thanks to college foundations

Apprentice Cain Jones is building a career in construction thanks to the firm foundation he received in college.

Cain is about to start the second year of his apprenticeship with Dylan Evans Builders, studying Level 3 Carpentry and Joinery through Busnes@LlandrilloMenai.

The 19-year-old from Llanrwst learned the basics of his trade during two years at Coleg Llandrillo, spending three days a week at the Rhos-on-Sea campus and working for Dylan Evans on his days off.

After completing Levels 1 and 2, he approached his employer about an apprenticeship. He is now earning while he learns, attending classes on a Monday before working the rest of the week.

“I enjoy coming into college on a Monday then going back to work,” he said. “The tutors are all really helpful, and I’ve really enjoyed college for the whole time I’ve been there.”

The benefits of attending college first included health and safety training, which is very important to employers, as well as learning two trades as standard - with Cain also gaining a grounding in plastering and tiling during his Foundation year.

Cain added: “Spending two years in college before my apprenticeship has definitely helped me get used to learning, and helped me to know what’s coming ahead.

“It eases people into it rather than just throwing them straight in. I’d recommend it 100%.”

Once Cain completes his Level 3 qualification he will be working full-time for Dylan Evans Builders. In the long-term future, he hopes to run his own business, and says his apprenticeship and time at college has given him an insight into what to expect.

“I’ve learned about how to start jobs, making lists of what you need, working out the details about pricing, communicating with customers - it’s been really helpful.”

Archie Howatson is also studying Carpentry and Joinery through Busnes@LlandrilloMenai, having similarly progressed from full-time education into an apprenticeship.

Archie, from Ruthin, completed his Level 1 qualification in carpentry, joinery and plastering as a full-time student at Coleg Llandrillo. He secured his apprenticeship with RIG Joinery Ltd a year ago, after impressing the firm while on work experience as part of his course.

“I had a couple of options of who to work for,” he said. “But they said if I did work experience with them, if they liked me they could take me on for an apprenticeship, so I went with them.”

It proved to be a good move, as he was then able to work while securing his Level 2 qualification, and will complete Level 3 over the next academic year.

Attending college first gave him a good foundation before going into the industry, with Archie saying: “You learn hand skills, learning in the workshop. The tutors are really patient, and it gave me a good head start.

“Now I’m doing an apprenticeship, you get so much more experience and you’re also getting paid.”

Do you want an apprenticeship? Earn while you learn, gain recognised qualifications and job-specific skills and knowledge which help you stand out in the job market. To learn more about apprenticeships through Busnes@LlandrilloMenai, click here or go to www.gllm.ac.uk/apprenticeships or www.gllm.ac.uk/prentisiaethau