Kayleigh Smith, 34 from Rednal, is a Worcestershire County Council Civil Engineering Apprentice, studying with South & City College.
Before starting her apprenticeship, Kayleigh was a fully qualified nursery practitioner. She wanted a change of career, however as an older student with financial commitments, it was important to earn a wage, as well as learn new skills and gain new qualifications.
“As an Apprentice Highways Maintenance Technician there is always something new to learn and it’s far from repetitive.” Kayleigh explained. “Highways is not always office based. It is a good variety of interesting onsite work, as well as office work.”
“After my apprenticeship, I am hoping to be offered a position to stay within the highways maintenance team and then on to study HNC Civil Engineering, to increase my knowledge and become a senior technician.”
When asked whether she would recommend apprenticeships to others, Kayleigh was very enthusiastic, stating, “Yes I would, especially if they are looking to go into a profession they have no prior experience in. You get the best of both worlds, you go to college and do all your written work and the rest of the week you are actually hands-on in the profession you want to be in, and you may even get offered a job by the end of your course.”
To find out more about apprenticeships, visit: https://www.sccb.ac.uk/apprenticeships-main