A PAIR of Solihull apprentices have shared their stories about how they found alternative routes to develop their careers, hoping to inspire other young people to explore their options.
Harry Scolding, owner of HDS Joinery, and Chris Jobson, an IT Technician at Pathway Group, have spoken about how they took alternate routes to achieving their career goals.
Harry knew that he wanted to be a joiner from an early age and actively pursued an apprenticeship by securing his place in year 10.
He completed first Level 2 and then Level 3 in Architectural Bench Joinery Apprenticeship at Solihull College & University Centre giving him the skills and experience he needed to set up his own company.
The 22-year-old said: “Harry said: “On results day, I was a little bit apprehensive, but I was reassured that I had already secured an apprenticeship. I always knew I wanted to make things and joinery came naturally to me.
“So, when I collected my results I went straight to work. I would say that getting your results is not the end – it is very much the beginning – so don’t worry.”
Harry has been selected to represent Team UK at WorldSkills Lyon 2024 (also known as the ‘Skills Olympics’) due to his exceptional skills and excelling at last year’s Euroskills competition, finishing in the top 5 in his category.
But Chris’ career path wasn’t so straight forward.
The 21-year-old left school with only a pass in English and Media at GCSE and tried to find a health and social care course at college but was not eligible to apply with his grades.
The started a Level 2 IT qualification at Solihull College which ignited a passion for the IT sector.
However, wanting to get real life experience in the field, he found the course wasn’t challenging him. This led to him joining a local company doing a level 2 apprenticeship after which he joined Pathway Group as IT Assistant.
He is currently working towards a level 3 after securing a permanent position as an IT Technician.
The West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) has invested £7.5million over three years into a Path 2 Apprenticeships programme which helps young people decide whether an apprenticeship is the right route for them to gain employment. The programme also provides businesses with a valuable opportunity to recruit new talent.
There are a range of opportunities available for young people no matter how they do in their exams.
Richard Parker, Mayor of the West Midlands said: “Whatever your results, there are so many different paths to success, such as apprenticeships, internships and bootcamps providing hands-on experience.
“My career path wasn’t straightforward, and it may be that yours isn’t either – I studied later in life and really benefitted from taking a different route to many of my friends.”
WMCA is offering: What Next? Careers and Employment Fairs to inspire and inform young people and adults of career pathways, local opportunities for training and jobs and to provide insight on health and community support services.
For more visit the WMCA website.
