National Apprenticeship Week with Shaun Tye and Jack Clarke

Jack and Shaun came to the National Rehabilitation Centre site from different sector projects - with Jack at Binks Yard restaurant in Nottingham while Shaun was at a mixed use residential and retail redevelopment now known as The Goodsyard in Birmingham. From healthcare, the pair expect to next move on to an industrial project – and so will have worked on a variety of sites over the course of their apprenticeships, each with unique sets of opportunities and challenges.

But what remains the same across the board has been the pair’s exposure to specialists and leaders in their field, and the support and encouragement given that has ensured they feel like valuable members of each project team.

“Here in Loughborough, the project team is sat in one room together – my direct manager is actually sat almost directly in front of me. The senior team have always been approachable and are happy to answer all our questions,” Jack shares.

Shaun adds that there is also a level of trust afforded to the apprentices that has been vital for building confidence and their personal development.

“On my last job, I was given the chance to work on the hoist apartments. My manager essentially let me manage these across the building so I could have the hands-on experience I was looking for. Of course, he was there throughout to support when I ran into any problems – that’s been one of my favourite moments so far.”

The financial independence being an apprentice provides is another bonus, Shaun adds.

“I love travelling, and last year I got to celebrate my birthday in Iceland under the Northern Lights thanks to my apprenticeship. It was honestly one of the best experiences of my life!”

But, Jack notes, you have to put in hard work to reap the rewards.

“There are times when I have to turn down plans with my friends who are in university because I have work the next day. The nature of the programme means it’s inevitable that you don’t have as much freedom compared to traditional routes – but it’s entirely worth the hard work.”

In line with this year’s theme of #SkillsForLife, we asked the duo what their biggest learning points have been so far – and what they want to share with the next generation of apprentices.

“Be open minded to what you’re getting yourself into,” Shaun says.

“I love what I’m doing now but it isn’t exactly what I thought it would be, in the best way possible. You have to be open to learning new things –  there’s loads you pick up on at work that just won’t be taught in classes.”

“I’d also advise potential apprentices against wearing a suit to your first day of the job onsite. From personal experience: everyone will have a good laugh at you!”

Jack is keen to note the improvement he has seen in his communication and problem-solving skills – something future apprentices can look forward to.