Over the last decade Stamford College has continued to build relationships with local and highly acclaimed construction company Princebuild Ltd with 9 Apprentices working for the company in mechanical and electrical trades in 2021.
As part of National Apprenticeship week, we caught up with one of our Apprentices, Steph to tell us all about studying apprenticeships with Princebuild and Stamford College.
Why did you choose to study an apprenticeship with Stamford College?
I have previously gone down the University degree route; while it was fun, and there was a great sense of achievement in being able to put BSc. (Hons) after my name, it was really a very expensive way of gaining life experience with little job prospects afterwards! An apprenticeship turns that on its head, you are learning on the job.
I’ll be honest, this is the second time I have been a student here. I came back because I loved college life the first time round. I found it a nurturing and inclusive environment back then, and ten years on it has improved further, with considerable investment in facilities such as the construction workshops!
Tell us about your current role at Princebuild and what you love most about it?
I am currently a Level 2 Apprentice Plumbing & Heating Engineer. Every day is different, some days are purely decommission and install days, others are investigating different heating systems and fault-finding. I have the best mentor I could ask for, and his skillset allows us to attend a wide range of jobs so I’m really getting a broad education. I also love knowing that Princebuild is an investor in people, and will put me through all the courses needed to become fully qualified and Gas Safe - all in good time!
What advice would you give a student considering studying an apprenticeship?
To my mind, apprenticeships are just as valuable as a degree. Yes, they are harder to get than a place at University, but don’t be discouraged. Do all you can to make yourself the most employable candidate, I.e. learn to drive if you are able, work on being present and having a trainable attitude; remember you are working towards becoming a skilled worker which will give you better prospects long-term. If it turns out it’s really not for you, you are not tied in to the extent you would be at University, so give it some real thought!
I would encourage anyone to consider learning a trade, male or female. In an increasingly uncertain and automated world, your skills will always be in demand. I think there is a bit of a misconception that plumbing is just fixing leaks and unblocking toilets, but that is not the case at all. There is so much scope for career progression; becoming qualified on the Gas Safe Register, venturing into the rapidly advancing sector of renewables, there’s so many opportunities to find your niche. Ladies should consider that there are many elderly and vulnerable people out there, who feel safer with a female tradesperson working in their home.
