Jacob Watts started an apprenticeship in Carpentry and Joinery. Based at the Learning World Academy in Sheffield, Jacob also undertook a work placement with Burngreave Building Company.

“I’ve always enjoyed manual work. At school I did really well in woodwork, so this seemed like the right step for me to take.” says Jacob. “I applied for the apprenticeship scheme in Carpentry and Joinery through my local Connexions Career Centre who were really helpful in telling me everything I needed to know and how to go about it.”

“At first I was able to do a six week trial where I started to practice basic skills such as sawing and planing wood. The trial gave me a true taste of working in the industry and what I potentially had to learn. I liked it so much that I decided I wanted to continue, and was offered a place on the apprenticeship scheme.”

“After the trial run I soon moved on to more in-depth training at the Academy and started to do jobs such as hanging doors and working on roofs. It’s scary at first but with the support of everyone on site I became more confident in what I was doing.”

“The programme is run in such a way that you get to spend time in the Academy environment learning the important technical stuff, then you go on a placement with a building company. I have been with Burngreave Building, a local building and roofing contractor for seven months now, and I’m enjoying every minute of it.”

“The best thing about coming to Learning World Academies is that they find you a really good work placement. You get a good feel for what it’s like to do the job for real and you get paid too!”

“I’ve enjoyed the programme so far and have no regrets,” adds Jacob. “I found I have benefited from working and learning at the same time.”