As the construction industry continues to thrive on innovation and growth, National Apprenticeship Week serves as a poignant reminder of the invaluable role apprenticeships play in shaping the workforce of tomorrow.
At SMD, a beacon of excellence in the construction sector, we believe in nurturing talent from the ground up. In celebration of this week dedicated to apprenticeships, we sat down with two of our own apprentices, Jordan, and Marium, to delve into their journey thus far and explore how apprenticeships offer a gateway for aspiring young individuals into the dynamic world of construction.
In a landscape where hands-on experience carries weight, apprenticeships emerge as a transformative avenue, bridging the gap between education and industry immersion. Through the lens of Jordan and Marium, we unravel the layers of opportunity, challenges, and growth inherent in their apprenticeship voyage at SMD. From mastering technical skills to fostering a deep-seated passion for construction, their narratives shed light on the profound impact apprenticeships wield in sculpting the future workforce.
Join us as we navigate through the anecdotes, insights, and aspirations of Jordan and Marium, and discover firsthand how apprenticeships serve as a catalyst for unlocking the boundless potential of young talents in the construction sphere.
Jordan, 26 says:
“I’ve worked for various different trades since leaving school and the one that stood out the most was when working in Australia with a Carpenter. I enjoyed the physical aspect of the job and the fact that we were working on a roof in the sun was also great. I felt like out of all the trades I had tried working with, Carpentry was the one trade where you could build something, take a step back, and be proud of what you’re looking at.
For me personally I really enjoy working in the construction industry. I enjoy being outdoors, working with my hands and being active on my feet all day. The day seems to fly by, and I enjoy the fact that every day brings new challenges. Being an Apprentice at SMD I feel that everyone around me is really understanding and are always patient with me, taking their time to teach me new things on a daily basis. I don’t think there’s a day gone by where I haven’t left work and gotten at least 1% better or more confident as a Carpenter.
The variety of works I’ve been exposed to is definitely something I’ve enjoyed. From roofing to second fixing and general site set ups, I’ve managed to see projects from more or less the very beginnings to the handover dates. Being around this process has helped me understand building works and all that goes into it and has certainly developed my knowledge for the better.
As I’m coming to the end of the apprenticeship, I’m excited to see what the future holds for me as a qualified Carpenter. I’m excited to become more independent and progress my skills and confidence even more.”
Marium, 22 says:
“What has inspired me to pursue a career in construction is the vast range of opportunities it offers. I appreciate the job’s consistency, yet it never involves the boring repetition of days. Every day in construction is unique, and it’s certainly not for the faint-hearted, which motivates me to face more significant challenges in the job. It provides an excellent environment to learn new skills and discover talents I may not have known I possess, while also allowing me to enhance weaker ones.
I see this as a fantastic opportunity to advance my career. It’s an effective way to gain a qualification through on-the-job learning, enabling me to apply what I learn at work to my academic studies. Witnessing the progression of a project’s development is fascinating, knowing that SMD is contributing to the growing built environment around us.
Being a part of the strong team dynamic at SMD has been enjoyable, and I feel welcome in my role and know that the team shows encouragement towards me asking any questions I may have. I appreciate SMD’s status as a growing company, as it has allowed me to work closely with other departments in the office, gaining a better understanding of how the business operates.
I look forward to advancing my technical knowledge and gaining more on-site experience. I believe this will help me familiarise myself with processes and improve my execution of tasks and responsibilities.”
In the vibrant tapestry of the construction industry, Jordan and Marium’s stories epitomise the transformative power of apprenticeships. Their journeys, brimming with passion, dedication, and a thirst for knowledge, underscore the profound impact apprenticeships wield in shaping the future workforce.
As Jordan reflects on his evolution from a curious apprentice to a confident carpenter, his words resonate with a sense of pride and fulfillment. His journey speaks volumes about the hands-on nature of the construction trade, where every nail hammered, and every beam raised is a testament to craftsmanship and ingenuity.
Similarly, Marium’s aspirations reflect a deep-seated commitment to personal and professional growth. Her journey embodies the spirit of resilience and adaptability, traits essential for navigating the dynamic landscape of construction.
As we bid farewell to National Apprenticeship Week, let us carry forward the torch of inspiration ignited by Jordan and Marium. Let us reaffirm our commitment to nurturing talent, fostering innovation, and building a brighter future for the construction industry—one apprentice at a time.
