by Sophie
Working and learning alongside our team, Lewis has been with TEC for just under a year, during which he has been getting his first taste of what it’s like to have a career in the construction industry. We caught up with him to find out what he enjoys most about his role, as well as what advice he would give to other young people thinking about an industry apprenticeship.
Tell us more about your role at TEC?
It is really varied, and I have been lucky enough to learn about multiple trades; including carpentry, groundworks and general building maintenance. It’s been really interesting to put the skills I have been learning in the classroom into practice on live construction sites and projects.
Has there been any standout moments?
Definitely! While I can’t say too much about the project, working at Plymouth’s Dockyard was fascinating. It’s also been a brilliant experience working on projects from inception to completion, as well as seeing how plans and designs become a reality; and I feel extremely proud to have played a small role in bringing these to life.
Another brilliant moment was being nominated for Apprentice of the Year in the Building Plymouth Awards! It was an amazing feeling to be recognised and supported by my TEC colleagues, as well as other construction professionals!
What are your plans for the future?
Finish my apprenticeship, and hopefully continue to progress my career within the construction industry. There is always something new to learn, and working at TEC has really opened my eyes about how I can progress my career, as well as the range of opportunities available to me.
What makes TEC different to other construction contractors?
Starting a new job can be really scary, however the team at TEC made me feel welcome straight from the start. Nothing compares to learning the skills of a trade on a live construction site, and everyone takes pride in their work, demonstrating that quality and attention to detail matters across every inch of a project. I genuinely enjoy coming to work every day!
What advice would you give to others looking to take their first steps in the industry?
Learn as much as you can from those working around you! While learning skills in a classroom is certainly useful, it doesn’t compare to working alongside industry experts. Having an open mind is also important, which includes using your time as an apprentice to figure out what interests you most and what path you want to choose in the future.
