Meet the apprentices

Back in October, some new apprentices joined Tai Tarian. They will spend the next two years working  alongside our skilled tradespeople to learn their crafts.

Three months on, we caught up with two of them, Anastacia and Simon to see how they were getting on:

For Anastacia, working to become a fully-qualified plumber will be the realisation of a lifelong dream:
“Ever since I was a child, I’ve wanted to become a plumber. My father, grandfather and uncle were all  plumbers, and as a child I used to help them out, passing them their tools, completing simple tasks and just watching them at work.

“I started training when I was 18, but I couldn’t complete the course at the time, so went to work in retail.  But even when I was working there, I used to go on about my dream to become a plumber all the time – I think my friends got bored of me talking about it! In the end, one of them saw this post advertised and told me to apply, so here I am!

“Female plumbers are still pretty rare, so I hope the positive experience I’ve had so far can inspire others to take up the tools and follow their dreams.

“I think my previous experience in retail really helps me in the role as a lot of it is down to customer service, as you’re working in people’s homes, so it’s important to treat them and their property with respect.”

Simon is training to become a bricklayer. Like Anastacia, his interest in his trade stems from his younger  days, helping on site as a labourer with his friend’s father’s building company. However, his career path then took a different turn:
“After working on site, I joined the armed forces and spent 17 years in the army. However, I kept an interest in the building trade and carried on labouring when I was home on leave.

“After leaving the armed forces, I joined Tai Tarian’s Copper Foundation programme – a scheme that helps people back into work. Following that, I stayed on with Tai Tarian, working as a labourer for the repairs team, when my manager suggested I should apply to become a bricklaying apprentice.”

“At 46 years old, I’m older than your average apprentice, but I don’t mind that. I feel my age and previous experience actually helps me. I think it’s great that Tai Tarian is willing to give anyone an opportunity to
succeed.

“I’m really enjoying the experience so far. I have a passion for the role and to succeed in it and it’s that
passion that inspires you to go to work every day and do your best.”