Case study 4: Jess Marlow

School Support and Early Influences

My school never really mentioned or suggested a trade; they only really advertised their A-level subjects and sixth form as options. They did a taster day where you had a small lesson to glimpse into each A-level subject you were interested in, or you were able to take a day to do a day's work with a trade or hair salon. But that wasn’t provided from the school, it had to be sorted out yourself. So overall, they didn’t particularly play any part in influencing me to take an apprenticeship.

But for me, trades were always a visible option. My dad is in the trades as a plumber, and has taken me throughout my life to various jobs so I can help him out! When it came to deciding what I would do in college, no A-levels stuck out to me, so until an apprenticeship was suggested, I had no idea what to do.

I am the kind of person who would hate to work in an office, and so a trade seemed a good way to go.

Gaining Experience and Finding an Apprenticeship

I was lucky as my dad has a few contacts, so before starting my course I did several days’ work experience with an electrician, which has taught me a few things. More importantly, it also helped me understand the required work ethic, for example in the way of talking with customers, and leaving the workplace in a clean state after finishing a job. It has been a little difficult to find a company to take me on as an apprentice, but one has luckily been found by my college to hopefully take me on.

One of the aspects of working in the trades that I love is being able to work and learn at the same time, which is definitely a plus. So is meeting and working with new people, which is great and I find this really enjoyable.

I was initially a little worried about missing out on college life with friends (especially the course that I'm taking where it is one day a week in college and the rest work based learning). I appreciate that this can be difficult for some, but as I already have strong, built up friendships with people who live near me, I feel that won’t be a problem. You also get to meet so many new people on the jobs that you take on.

Why I Would Recommend the Trades

I’d advise anyone considering the trades as a career choice to go for it! If you have the opportunity and a placement in any trade you should give it a go. If it turns out you are not fond of being an electrician, try out being a plumber, or a different trade.

Even if you can’t get an apprenticeship, it’s only an extra two days in school (as long as you pass english and maths). Plus, the college helps you find a place to work and gain experience quickly. It might turn out that you would like to try out different trades, which is what I aim to do, to become a mix skilled trades person. Being in the trades will guarantee work, as it’s unlikely that AI will be able to fix a faulty fuse box or change a toilet in the future. However, if you find it’s not for you at all you can always fall back into sixth form or a college. It’s always good to just give it a try.