Apprenticeships changed my life - now I'm a successful bricklayer

Apprenticeships have helped turn the life around of 19-year-old, Steven Flowers, who is loving his job as a successful bricklaying apprentice with K Scott Construction Ltd.

Steven from Biddulph found the classroom environment at school hard. He says: " I did struggle to concentrate. Not all young people work well in the classroom environment. I wanted to be outside, doing something I enjoyed."

After finishing school, Steven went to college for a short while and then found apprenticeship provider, PM Training, starting on the pre-apprenticeship programme learning a variety of trades before gaining an apprenticeship.

Steven says: "The staff are what makes PM Training for me. Brian Pepper and Pete Williamson are so great. You can have a laugh with them, but they keep you grounded and focus on your work. I've learnt so much from the staff here. I used to suffer from my anger management, but the staff have helped me to manage it, and they care about you as an individual."

What kind of things have you learnt since being at PM Training? 

"I picked up loads of skills when working on the Homeworks vans. I was painting and decorating and quickly learned the basics and can even wallpaper now, which I never thought I would be able to do". 

Tell us about your apprenticeship?

"I'm working at K Scott Construction Ltd, as an apprentice bricklayer and enjoy it. I feel like I've succeeded, and I'm proud of myself. The days go fast, and it's always great to see what you have built at the end. You feel like you have achieved something. I'm picking up new skills on the job too and love being able to have good banter with work colleagues.

I've recently been going to Jujitsu, and it's helped me focus on my apprenticeship. Sometimes you need to clear your head, and it makes a difference." 

What are your top 3 tips for school leavers?

1. Get into a career that you are going to enjoy - you are doing it every day, so make it a good one!
   
   
2. When people give you advice, pay attention, it could be the best thing you ever do!
   
   
3. Always try and be the better person and stay positive. It makes a difference to your mental health.

"Steven has completely turned his life around, there were a few bumps along the way, but he's come out stronger. He cares about the quality of his work, and I know he will be successful and a great mentor for other young people in the future" - Pete Williamson, Bricklaying Tutor. 

If you fancy a career path in bricklaying, book onto our next apprenticeship Open Event below to find out more, speak to our team and kick start your career.