Alex elevates his career through a roofing apprenticeship
Alex is taking his career to new heights after beginning a roofing apprenticeship.
Alex Bate, 32, previously worked as a Tesco delivery driver before applying to LiveWest after identifying an opportunity to join the organisation.
He initially secured a role as a labourer in 2023. But after three years in decided to pursue the company’s first-ever roofing apprenticeship, to help develop his knowledge in an area he was already excelling.
For National Apprenticeship Week, we highlighted the different paths people take into skilled careers.
Alex Bate, our apprenticeship roofer, said: “I just applied on a whim. I didn't initially really want to get into a trade or do construction, but I saw the labouring job pop up and I thought I would give it a go.
“I heard about the apprenticeship, it was through one of the lead technicians. I was a labourer beforehand, and we were working on roofing.
“We do a training course for roofing, and I did a good job. And he said, ‘why don't you become a roofer?’ And I said, ‘because I don't feel like I've received the right amount of training yet’.
“He said, ‘there’s an apprenticeship going, do you want to apply for it?’ And I said I would. I just thought, while I'm here, I may as well expand my skill set and learn something new.
“When I applied for the apprenticeship, I already had the previous knowledge and skills, so I didn't go into it fresh or completely new. So, it did help a lot, and I've received a lot of support through other colleagues and LiveWest, and I’m really enjoying it.”
While LiveWest offers apprenticeships to any age, Alex believes it’s not too late to change career.
Alex said: “I am an older applicant as well. You’re usually fresh out of school for an apprenticeship, but I feel like there's no age to start again.
Being paid the national living wage and getting the training alongside made the prospect of an apprenticeship even more appealing for Alex.
Alex added: “I’m doing an apprentice for the same pay, it was a no-brainer. The work is similar but I’m gaining qualifications and training out of it.”
