Before I came to do my apprenticeship with Islington Council, I was doing a carpentry course at Kings Cross Construction Skills Centre.  It was while I was there that I met Emma, who had done DIY for women in Islington. She shared her experience with me, and we supported each other in applying for apprenticeships with Islington.  

I now work in the Housing Repairs Service. My main responsibilities include helping with repairs and maintenance in residents’ homes, on the job training in carpentry as well as attending college to study for Level 2 in Carpentry. The best part of my job, what I enjoy the most, is seeing the finished product that I’ve been working on.  

Learning the trade has been really interesting. I thought it would be hard as a woman to fit into working in a ‘man’s area‘ but it hasn’t been that hard. The Training Manager has been a great support to me, and she always checks in on all the apprentices. I can always get her on the other end of the phone. As a woman she understands my position so I can talk to her about my child and schooling and other things. Working with other apprentices has been really good and we compare notes and support each other.  

I would say to any Islington resident who is thinking about applying for an apprenticeship to do it.  Don’t let anything stop you.  I’m 38 and I’m just qualifying! It has been challenging to do an apprenticeship during the pandemic, especially with childcare, but my family has supported us. I was re-deployed for a month at the Sobell Centre helping to pack food parcels, so I helped to deliver essential services. The apprenticeship has got me into what I want to do. I’m nearly qualified and about to apply for a permanent trade operative role.