Interview with Kaan Salvatore, Apprentice Carpenter, Estates

Tell us a bit about the type of work you’ve been doing?

My work has been hugely varied and I’ve had the chance to do a range of jobs, including: kitchen fitting, boxing in, stud walls, door swinging, ironmongery, cladding and fitting new door frames.

Why did you decide to become an apprentice?

I decided to become an apprentice as there were many benefits, including having a structured training program provided for you by your company, to allow you to gain a qualification to progress in your career. Secondly, you earn while you learn: this is an excellent advantage as while you’re learning and gaining a qualification you’re also working with the company and gaining experience out in the field and earning your own money. Finally, I chose to become an apprentice as you get to learn and develop your skills in two different environments - at college and in the work place. This is extremely helpful as it allows you to know and connect with your colleagues and get to know the company and the work you’ll be doing - and then college allows you to gain the qualification needed to secure the full time job.

Why did you choose an apprenticeship at Warwick?

I chose Warwick as I believed it had the strongest opportunities to progress and develop my skills but, also, as it's so big there will always be more opportunities /chances for promotion etc when securing a full time position. Furthermore, when applying for the apprenticeship the job description included a lot of tasks/jobs that I wanted to learn and be able to do in the future independently such as; door swinging (fire doors) kitchen fitting, stud walls and more! There are also a number of benefits that the University provides, which are fantastic.

What’s been the highlight of your apprenticeship so far?

The highlight of my apprenticeship was doing the cladding refurb on the social sciences building. This was a great learning experience - we were working from height, which was a different experience for me and we also got to mix with other trades people and work together to get the job completed before the deadline. Another highlight for me is the people I work with - they made settling in and feeling comfortable very easy and are all willing to teach and guide you through jobs to help you gain experience.

Tell us about your plans for the future?

I plan to stay with the University and complete my NVQ level 3 qualification. Further down the line I would like my own area on campus to manage and maintain to a high standard as I would enjoy the challenge of working independently and managing my own jobs.

What would you say to someone who was considering joining an apprenticeship?

I believe apprenticeships are excellent and would advise anyone that was considering taking an apprenticeship to do so as it has so many benefits and is a great way to learn and earn at the same time."