TCH Repairs, our joint venture with Fortem Solutions, is committed to developing its workforce. As well as offering a range of training opportunities to staff, TCHR is also keen to grow talent through its apprenticeship schemes.

We recently caught up with Ellie Mills to find out about her career journey so far after completing her Carpentry apprenticeship.

Tell us a little bit about your apprenticeship and why you decided to do it…

I didn’t go straight into an apprenticeship after finishing school, initially I worked in accounts.

I then went travelling and found a job in Australia doing payroll, but soon realised that it wasn’t a right fit for me. I didn’t enjoy working behind a desk every day, I wanted to do something more hands-on.

All my previous roles were within the construction industry which I enjoyed, and I knew I wanted to stay working within the sector. That’s when I started to look at different opportunities and found the carpentry apprenticeship.

My apprenticeship lasted two years, and I completed it with a level 2 and 3 in carpentry and joinery.

Through it, I could see a career in carpentry, with great development opportunities.

How has your apprenticeship helped with your career development?

It’s helped massively. I have learnt so many things about different trades, which has helped me a lot in my current role.

I now find myself managing my own team of eight people, and having the technical knowledge that allows me to confidently answer any questions they have.

What’s the most surprising thing about your apprenticeship?

I expected to be with a large group of people, starting off with a bit of labouring with not much independence, but it wasn’t like that at all.

Initially, I was buddied up with one other person and quite quickly I was trusted to do things by myself.

My mentor was a carpenter multi, meaning I was able to learn lots of other trades including plumbing, tiling, plastering and more.

I think having the opportunity to learn lots of trades was different to what I expected, but in a good way.

How has TCH Repairs supported your career?

TCH Repairs is brilliant with internal progression, and they offer lots of different schemes to support career growth.

Following my apprenticeship, I worked in the trades alone for a year before getting the opportunity to start the Fortem Advance course. This is a 12-month programme that’s training me to be a supervisor.

In four years, I’ve gone from being at the start of my apprenticeship to be in the position I’m in now, and I’ve had the full support of my colleagues throughout that time.

What do you think the most rewarding thing is about your apprenticeship?

I think it’s managing your own learning and time while working a full-time job alongside that. I really liked the idea of being able to ‘earn and learn’.

What advice would you give to someone thinking of starting an apprenticeship?

Don’t be afraid to ask lots of questions. It’s a bit scary when you’re in a new situation with someone you don’t really know, but it’s important to speak up when you aren’t sure how to do something.

Apprenticeships offer so many chances to further your knowledge and skills.

What are your goals for the future?

My focus for now is completing the remaining six-months of my Fortem Advance course. After that I will look at how I can grow further within the industry, and I look forward to whatever is next!