Punching above his weight to get on the property ladder

James Ellis, 19 is a final year joinery apprentice here at KWL.

He’s an ambitious young man, with a strategy to secure his financial future, investing in property and gaining the skills required to refurbish homes.

James went to Archbishop Sentamu Academy and did well at school. He achieved good grades at GCSE and when his Dad, who is also a joiner, suggested he apply for the KWL Apprenticeship scheme he jumped at the opportunity.

After passing his driving test, James was provided with a van, and whilst fitting new kitchens he is now able to work on his own.

Apprentice joiners at KWL often progress quickly. With thousands of properties to support, the firm is contracted to manage repairs, fit new kitchens and refurbish void properties to increase the amount of quality accommodation for local people.

For the last two months James has been working on these voids as part of Paul Bird’s team who is also James’ mentor.

James says:

“I really like working at KWL. There are so many benefits and the business really looks after its people. I’ve recommended working here to some of my friends who will be coming to the next open day in March and hope to be offered an apprenticeship like me.

“In the first year, the terms and conditions for KWL apprentices are probably the best in the city. I earned £12,500 and have started as I mean to go on by putting money aside to save for a secure financial future. I signed up for a Help 2 Buy ISA and will be moving into my first home next year. I finish my apprenticeship this year and hope to be taken on full time. I’m planning to buy a house that needs doing up and will be able to do most of the work myself, with some help from friends. I aim to invest in more property and get a few buy-to-lets over the years.”

James is multi-skilling and has learned how to do some plumbing and plastering.

In his spare time, he likes to relax and socialise with his friends. In his earlier teens, James was a boxer and spent a lot of his time training. He had 13 amateur bouts around the UK and even travelled to Ukraine where he took part in their championships.

“I’d recommend boxing to anyone who wants to get fit and learn a discipline. It’s the best thing I’ve ever done but it does require a lot of time dedicated to training. Right now alongside my apprenticeship I am doing college work but hope to get back in the ring at some point in the future.

“Hull has some great boxing clubs, I trained at East Hull Boxing Academy who support and encourage young people.”