Leaving school and stepping straight into an apprenticeship at the age of 16 can be daunting to say the least.
But for the majority of those taking their first brave steps into launching their chosen careers, the decision pays dividends.
Fin Walker arrived at LiveWest as a 16-year-old with a clear ambition to forge a career in the housing sector.
He completed a Level 3 NVQ Apprenticeship in Construction and, after two years with the organisation, he was offered the opportunity to do a Level 6 apprenticeship in quantity surveying – a part-time degree at the University College of Estates Management.
With one year left of his degree, Fin has already fixed his sights on becoming a fully qualified quantity surveyor and secure his chartership from the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors.
Fin said: “I love working for LiveWest, I love what I do and it makes me feel proud to play my part.
“I like the people here and it’s a nice place. They nurture people and help you develop.
“I would describe my apprenticeship as a brilliant opportunity to apply what I learn in the classroom at university to the workplace.
“The support that LiveWest give their apprentices is amazing. They provide you with somebody to talk to and there are many points of contact within the organisation that will help you out if you ever have any questions.
“On top of that they sponsor you to complete your apprenticeship and further your development.
“LiveWest has provided me with every resource available to succeed, I have a very supportive team that are always willing to help me develop my skills.
“Working as an apprentice has been a huge learning curve for me and allowed me to learn my role but also to develop the skills needed to work in an office environment.
“There are countless advantages of doing an apprenticeship. But I find the ability to learn while I earn and then put my knowledge into practical use stands out the most.”
Fin has adapted to a new way of working from home following the outbreak of Covid-19 and has been impressed with how he has been supported with the transition.
He added: “LiveWest have provided every member of staff with the equipment to work from home.
“As some members of staff are unable to do so, LiveWest have made the office spaces very safe and I feel really safe working for LiveWest during the pandemic.
“I’m looking forward to going back to the office when we are encouraged to do so, but for the time being we have got all the technology to be able to do our jobs from home.”
Fin is also backing National Apprenticeship Week which aims to shine the light on fantastic work being done by employers and apprentices across the country.
This year’s theme is ‘Build the Future’, encouraging everyone to consider how apprenticeships help to build the skills and knowledge required for a rewarding career.
Fin said: “It’s important to celebrate National Apprenticeship Week. There is a lot of talent out there and if it wasn’t for weeks like this then people might not go into apprenticeships and might not have future prosperous careers.
“I would definitely recommend an apprenticeship. It is a fantastic opportunity to work alongside your qualification and I am very grateful for the opportunity LiveWest has provided for me.
“I’m in the real world, meeting and talking to people and there is no substitute for this hands-on experience.”