National Apprenticeship Week: Tyler
Hi, I’m Tyler, a first-year apprentice joiner at FSC Construction and Maintenance. I’ve been asked to write about what I do and life at the company. Unfortunately, I’m not much of a writer or speaker, but I’ll give it a go anyway.
What does your role involve?
Basically, getting stuck in. My course is joinery, so it’s doing whatever I can to learn more skills and being able to put them to use. I also do other stuff around the sites to understand what other people I work with are doing in construction.
What do you like about your job?
I’ll tell you what I don’t like first… Early starts in the rain. Other than that, everything else is good. I enjoy being hands-on most of all, always busy and doing things.
What’s your working day like?
Well, it’s an early start, but also an early finish compared to other jobs. Other than that, it is different. Different projects and sites need different things, and I’ve just realised I’ve written different a lot, but it’s true, the variety stops me from getting bored.
What skills do you need in your job?
Knowing what tools are what lets you know what tools you need and what to get out of the van. I have also realised I’ve written what alot. Like I said, I’m not a writer, but I have a good eye for detail, so that helps too.
What was your background before starting this role?
I left school in the summer just gone, so that. I was never really into school stuff and always preferred being hands-on and basically doing things. So experiencing everything I can at FSC is ideal because I’m always busy.
What are you most proud of in your career?
I have always got my hands dirty and done everything asked of me without complaint. There was one time, it was disgusting, I won’t go into detail, but I was the first one but I did it almost single-handedly.
Where do you see yourself in ten years?
A qualified joiner would be a great start. I’ll hopefully be at FSC still as well. I know I’ve only been here a short time but I’m enjoying what I’m doing and where I’m working.
A bit of advice for anyone thinking about a career in construction?
If you think you’ll enjoy it you probably will, I know I do. it’s a great experience and your skills will always be needed. Thats a good enough reason to go into construction I think but you have to put in the work.
