8TH FEB 2021
#NAW2021 Apprenticeship Case Study: Joe Fry, Maintenance Apprentice at Gloucestershire College
Here at Gloucestershire College, apprentices form an invaluable part of our team. We believe in backing local talent right here in Gloucestershire and supporting the next generation. Apprenticeships form a key part of this as they can help an individual to jump-start their career. As part of our National Apprenticeship Week celebrations, Joe has shared his experience of working at GC as an apprentice. Find out more here.
Gloucestershire College is a proud champion of apprenticeships. To celebrate National Apprenticeship Week 2021, we are showcasing success stories from our amazing apprentices and employers.
To generate a job opportunity for an apprentice, we looked at adapting a full time, experienced role within our site maintenance team at Gloucestershire College to become an apprenticeship instead.
Having been made redundant from his previous apprenticeship with another employer, Joe Fry joined the Gloucestershire College team as an apprentice and has gone from strength to strength. As part of our National Apprenticeship Week celebrations, Joe has shared his experience of working at GC as an apprentice.
Joe Fry, Maintenance Apprentice at Gloucestershire College
Tell us about your day-to-day job role as an apprentice?
My day-to-day role involves remedial work to the building components across our three campuses - anything from door handles to plumbing. There is a mix of planned and reactive maintenance and a lot of variety in my role. My manager is very supportive in my role and studies. They always find opportunities for me to put my learning into practice in the workplace.
What is your favourite thing about the apprenticeship?
My favourite thing about my apprenticeship is the advancement in my knowledge and learning many new skills which are transferable. I particularly enjoy working across our three different sites in Cheltenham, Gloucester and the Forest of Dean and the variety my role entails. Gloucestershire College has given me time and resources to complete what I need to for my apprenticeship as part of the 20% off the job training. They are very flexible and my colleagues are very supportive.
What are your career ambitions for when you finish your apprenticeship?
I’d like to continue to build on my skills and knowledge in the workplace. I will consider other training in the future too.
Would you recommend doing an apprenticeship? And Why?
I would definitely recommend an apprenticeship as it gives you the chance to get real-life experience whilst learning, alongside all the support to do this.
Apprentices form an integral part of our team at Gloucestershire College
Head of Maintenance, Brian Bottomley, commented: “Joe has been a welcomed member of the established maintenance team, bringing a fresh set of eyes to the current methods we use. Joe is dedicated to his role and has pride in the work he produces. We are very proud to be able to adapt and offer this apprenticeship opportunity to a young person who lost their job through the pandemic. As a college, it’s what we do and to be able to highlight the success internally, is even more pleasing.”
Recruit an apprentice for your business
Help Gloucestershire College with our mission to support the next generation of talent by offering an apprenticeship opportunity at your business. We have talented individuals apply to us all year round looking for a chance with a local employer.
Hundreds of businesses have already recruited apprentices in 2021 with our new January starts for trade and construction apprenticeships. Our next start date for bricklaying, carpentry, electrical, plumbing, motor and property maintenance is in September 2021.
Our Business Hub team can help your business to recruit an apprentice and match you with new talent to grow your organisation. Contact our team today to register your interest in taking on an apprentice via: business.hub@gloscol.ac.uk or call: 01452 563400.
