Apprentices can pick up skills in all areas of the business

Callum Hill, 19, applied for an apprenticeship here at KWL on the recommendation of his Mum, Karen who is a Supervisor and time-served joiner.

He went to Archbishop Sentamu Academy in Hull where he enjoyed Design and Technology and Photography and did well in his GCSEs, but wasn’t sure what he wanted to do after school.

The School encouraged him to go to college with the potential of University but Callum wanted to get into work and chose to learn a trade. Both of his parents are joiners and he always enjoyed helping them build and make things at home when he was growing up.

In the spring each year, the KWL Apprenticeship scheme opens to applicants age 16+. Although, we usually take on 10 people each year, the scheme often attracts over 200 budding apprentices who go through a number of qualifying stages.

Callum came to an apprentice open day where he met supervisors from each department and expressed interest in plumbing, joinery and plastering/tiling. He stood out with skills and knowledge, which had come from the family line. He was offered a position on his own merit within the joinery team.

Callum says:

“I didn’t expect to work at the same place as my Mum when I was growing up but when the apprenticeships came up, she suggested I apply as she has always been happy at KWL and makes the most of the opportunities that are available.

“I’ve found that it’s a great place to work and now I am in my final year of the apprenticeship. At the moment I’m fitting kitchens for tenants all around Hull and my supervisors trust me to work on my own so I can just get on with it. We work in sync with the other trades to get the job completed so there’s always great people around.

“I like that there is always plenty of variety and I get to meet different people when I’m working in their homes.”

Callum passed his driving test first time, in May last year and has since been provided with a KWL van which he says is a great perk of the job.

He will complete the apprenticeship in August and hopes to be offered a permanent role.

In his spare time, Callum likes to play pool and meeting up with his friends.

Dave Skinner is a Supervisor and has been Callum’s mentor since he came into the business as a new apprentice. He says:

“From day one, Callum took to the working environment, getting on with the rest of the team and paying close attention to all of the training we provide.

“Callum works on the void properties and has picked up basic plumbing and plastering skills along the way. All of this is a benefit to KWL and Callum’s future career.”