Gemma’s apprentice story- “It’s a career that will build a good future for my family”
Buying a house that needed renovating led to Gemma realising what she wanted to do as a career. She was working in Tesco and looking after her children when she picked up the keys to her new home.
“We threw ourselves into that the house. I loved doing the work. A friend told me there was a college course for women in multi-skills and construction. I got accepted and was shocked. I really enjoyed it and finally found out what I wanted to do in my life. My tutors told me about the apprenticeships at Newport City Homes and said to have a look if I wanted to progress in construction.
“I looked on the NCH website and was like, ‘yes!’ and now I’m not looking back! I’ve never been so happy. Everyone is so friendly and welcoming, really nice and refreshing.”
She works as an apprentice painter/ decorator with our team who get empty homes ready for new customers to move in.
“I’m in college all day on a Monday. Then Tuesday to Friday I’m doing what we call a ‘full-deck.’ This is doing all the work, woodwork, ceilings and painting in an empty house. I start with sanding and prepping walls. Then I get given a room and get painting.
“I haven’t met anyone who isn’t nice. I work with Leighton and Mikey, the funniest bunch of boys I have met in my life. They are always there to give me guidance, praise and are open to sharing tips. It makes the days seem so smooth. You get the work done and you’ve had a good day.
“It’s a good feeling knowing I'm improving myself with the benefits of a career that will in turn build a good future for my family.
“I'm getting a qualification and potentially a job out of my apprenticeship and if not I can go out into the big, wide world on my own with the skills, experience and certificates I have picked up.”
Watch Gemma talk about life as an apprentice
Apprentice opportunities with NCH
Our next recruitment campaign is likely to be in Summer 2022. We do it around this time to be close to the term time dates of local colleges.
Right now, we don’t know how many vacancies we will have or what roles we will need so please make sure you check our jobs page and follow us on Facebook and Twitter.
More information on apprenticeships
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The Welsh Government’s website has an information page about apprentices.
Apprentice vacancies in Wales
Use this ‘Search for an apprenticeship vacancy tool’ on the Welsh Government’s website to look at roles in different areas and sectors.