After finishing his apprenticeship over a decade ago, Dane Barry now runs his own carpentry business, Maison’s Building Services. In late 2011 took on his first apprentice, Kane Parrott, through Barking & Dagenham College.
“I am working hands-on every day, but my business is growing and I needed extra help. I needed someone I could train to handle jobs so I could spend time growing the business,” explained Dane.
“I did my own research and narrowed it down to a number of colleges, but when I walked through the construction workshops at Barking & Dagenham College I was really impressed.”
At a pace to suit my business
Dane met with Debbie Wren and Keith Crossman, from the Business Innovation & Enterprise Team at the College to brief them on the type of person he was looking for.
“I was taken aback by how helpful the team were. I was concerned that I would be rushed into it, but not at all. It was all at a pace to suit my business.”
After interviewing a shortlist of candidates, Kane Parrott was offered the job as Maisons’ first apprentice carpenter.
On-the-job training
Kane, who was studying full-time for his Level 2 in Carpentry at Barking & Dagenham College, now studies the same course but one day a week, spending the other four days working alongside Dane as a Maison’s apprentice.
“It has been a really good for me. I was enjoying my course, but as an apprentice I get great experience and I learn much faster. I am been given responsibility and Dane assigns me jobs and I have to get on with it,” explains Kane.
“I enjoy working as part of a team. It is creative and practical. My mates at College see the experience I am getting and I think they would like to be given the same chance.”
Think carefully about what your business needs
Dane gives a few words of advice for anyone thinking about taking on an apprentice
“Be very clear about what you want for your business and the type of person you need. I gave them a clear brief so they researched the candidates for me and drew up a shortlist for me to interview. That saved me valuable time and effort.”
Could your business benefit from an apprentice?
If you are thinking about taking on an apprentice, or you have an employee who you would like to send for training, talk to us today to find out more. Contact Debbie Wren in our Business Innovation & Enterprise team on 020 8090 3020 extn 7409 or email Debbie.wren@barkingdagenhamcollege.ac.uk
