Ben Rudd, 47, is currently completing an apprenticeship, while also working and developing the skills he first gained after leaving school.
Not only is Ben enhancing his carpentry, tiling and plastering skills on his Property Maintenance apprenticeship, but he is also improving his Maths and English.
Ben started working as a handyman at Cromer Hospital back in 2008 and has been the sole maintenance operative there since then.
After 13 years, he is extremely experienced in the hospital’s day-to-day planned preventive maintenance (PPM) and reactive works, including emergency light testing, fire alarm testing, water flushing, portable appliance testing, and anything else that needs repairing.
Ben’s role is changing within Norse, however, and soon he will be joining a new team looking after many sites with varying maintenance needs.
He hopes this will enable him to further develop and use the skills gained on his apprenticeship.
Here he discusses the challenges of the apprenticeship and the many rewards he experiences every day:
Why did you choose to complete an apprenticeship?
I am now 47 years old and very much enjoy working “on the tools” as I have done since leaving school. Over the years, I have had various jobs, including car maintenance, but, even at this age, I believe it is never too late to learn new skills within the multi-skill trade sector.
What have been the biggest benefits of your apprenticeship?
Learning a multitude of new skills at a Level 3 trade standard, including carpentry, tiling and plastering, but also completing my Maths and English functional skills, which are required to complete the apprenticeship.
What have been the highlights of the apprenticeship for you?
For me personally, carpentry has been the highlight of the course so far as it’s a skill I’ve always showed an interest in. I enjoy putting my carpentry skills to the test at the hospital by installing and replacing door furniture.
What have the challenges been and have you been you well supported throughout?
Maths and English have been my biggest challenge as unfortunately I left school without these qualifications. However, the support from an understanding and very patient tutor named Barbara gave me the confidence to get my head down and study to achieve my goals.
What advice would you give to someone else considering an apprenticeship?
I would highly recommend an apprenticeship to anybody looking to further develop their skills, learn new skills and perhaps move up the ladder within the company.
Sum up your apprenticeship experience in three words:
Challenging, rewarding, camaraderie.
