To celebrate National Apprenticeship Week, we have interviewed people working in the construction industry who started their careers as apprentices. First up is Mark Hart who is now the Joint Divisional Managing Director of Barnes Construction.
I was a carpentry and joinery apprentice for 3 years at Robert Cubitt Holdings Ltd. During this time my tasks involved a good range of 1st and 2nd fix carpentry tasks on site as well as spending time in the joinery workshop assisting with the manufacture of various timber products. The main reason that I chose the apprenticeship route is because I wanted to do a practical job and be outside and in a variety of locations.
I think one of the most valuable aspects that I took away from my time as an apprentice was how complex and technically demanding our industry is, as well as how varied it can be. I was definitely inspired by all of the mentors I worked with. In particular, the group of joiners I worked with in my first year in the joiners workshop. There were six of us in total and the next youngest after me was 67! A truly talented bunch of guys who taught me so much. If you are considering the apprenticeship route I would say that you should watch, listen, learn, and never be afraid to ask what you think are silly questions.