Apprentice Insight - Kier Learners
Katy Fletcher
Level 3 Construction Operations Apprenticeship
Katy Fletcher is currently undertaking a Level 3 Apprenticeship in Construction.
Employed by Kier in Sandbach, Katy is a Civil Engineering Apprentice working with Quantity Surveyors within a Commercial team.
Before starting her apprenticeship journey Katy previously attended Sixth Form studying English, Photography and ICT whilst working part time. She decided to apply for an apprenticeship instead of attending university – “I received my results and got into Chester University however I quickly decided University wasn’t the pathway that I wanted to follow” “Being able to earn whilst learning/ working in an industry I felt interested to find out more and produce a career in”.
Since starting her apprenticeship in 2016, Katy has acquired a range of skills to help her progress in her career. She explains: “The various responsibilities within different job roles, including collaborative planning and P6 programme and the green claims process which I am responsible for looking after as well as all we have been taught within the qualifications, including health and safety, plant and excavations, maths, building methods etc..”
Katy’s main achievements within her apprenticeship so far are “Being put forward for apprentice of the year, fundraising for St Luke’s Hospice, being sent to the High Speed Rail College in Birmingham to attend a supply chain event, volunteering and becoming a Kier and STEM ambassador”.
In the future Katy is aiming to become a qualified Quantity Surveyor with Kier.
Geordan Stout, Kier
Level 3 Construction Operations Apprenticeship
Currently working with Kier Highways on the Pytchley Depot, Geordan is working as an Apprentice Design Technician. After completing Sixth Form, Geordan decided to go down the apprenticeship route so he could earn a wage whilst learning about a subject he is interested in.
Since starting his qualification in September 2017, Geordan has now has “An improved knowledge into civil engineering and the design process that goes into highway maintenance schemes”. When he has gained the qualifications and knowledge to continue and progress in the construction industry, Geordan is hoping to “Progress with Kier into more responsible and higher roles”.
Faye Ludlow, Kier
Level 3 Construction Operations Apprenticeship
Faye, 31, from Branston, started an Advanced Construction Apprenticeship in October 2017.
She saw the apprenticeship as a career opportunity whilst working with Kier, she is aiming to become a qualified engineer and this extra knowledge can help her to achieve her goal. Faye currently works within the Highways Design team, learning new skills such as using CAD and improving her knowledge on health and safety in construction. Within her apprenticeship Faye is completing Functional Skills English and maths at Level 2, these will provide her with knowledge to help with everyday tasks.
Joe Jukes, Kier
Level 3 Construction Operations Apprenticeship
After finishing Sixth Form Joe decided that an apprenticeship was the best route for him. He briefly considered university when he was in Sixth Form: “Decided it wasn’t worthwhile for me as I didn’t know what I wanted to do”. He said an apprenticeship “Was a preferred route than university to get a qualification and get paid”.
“I work with the QS department at Kier London but I’ve done engineering, site management and design work too”. Joe explained what he had learnt since starting his apprenticeship: “The difference between knowing and experiencing things. You can learn everything at Uni but I’ve learnt how to deal with situations on site and office which they don’t teach you at uni”. “Completing my own mini project in engineering by overseeing, setting-out and checking the slab extensions/new windows” is Joe’s main achievement so far.
In the future Joe is looking to “Secure a permanent job with Kier and to do what I’m best at”.