This week is National Apprentice Week, and as the local MP for Heywood and Middleton North, I’m very keen to give as many young people as possible a chance to find work and opportunities.
Apprentices are one route to trying a job or career and learn on the job in preparation for a potential career.
To mark National Apprentice Week, I want to introduce you to local resident Nathan Power, who works as an apprentice with BDB Special Projects on the refurbishment of the Queens Park Bridge.
Nathan lives in Middleton, going to school nearby and is also passionate about rugby and his development as a referee.
After working in a restaurant, Nathan naturally wanted to earn more money, especially to meet the high cost of his car insurance.
He had family working in construction already, so was able to get an introduction to BDB, who then offered him an opportunity as an apprentice with more learning activities.
“They teach you more, and I’m learning the values of hard work and meeting people,” Nathan says. “I’m also learning how to manage my work, think through a situation quickly, and catch up with other more experienced people working on the job.”
Building his confidence has also been important. “You learn that it’s ok if you get things wrong. The worst that can happen is you start again and get it right second time.”
Nathan has the same approach towards his career. After trying a sports coaching course at college, he felt more studies at university wasn’t right for him, so he decided to take a different approach “I’d say to anyone who was thinking about an apprenticeship – give it a go. You only live once, so it’s really important to find a job you love. With an apprenticeship you can try it out and see how it feels.”
“People try and rush, but you’ve got to enjoy your life”
Craig Hall is one of the Directors at BDB Special Projects, who are keen to welcome apprentices. “At BDB Special Projects, we recognise the critical skills shortage facing the UK construction industry and understand our responsibility to help close this gap.
“Investing in the development of local apprentices is key to building a skilled workforce for the future. By nurturing talent from our own communities, we not only strengthen our business but also contribute to the long-term prosperity of the areas in which we work.”
When a local company commits to upskilling local young people into good careers and jobs, then the benefits can be felt by everyone in Heywood and Middleton North. I want to give a big thank you to Nathan and Craig for their commitment to our communities.
If you or anyone you know is interested in an apprenticeship then this website is a good place to start: https://www.gov.uk/apply-apprenticeship
