Way:ahead - 14-19 Prospectus

Jamie Banner left Congleton High School with 5 GCSEs in 2001 and, like many, was unsure as to where his future lay. He decided to stay on at the 6th Form and opted for Business Studies, IT and Psychology. However, after a year Jamie found that this route wasn’t right for him.
After leaving the 6th Form, Jamie visited his local Connexions Centre where he was supported to identify possible Apprenticeship options. Jamie initially considered Engineering, but when he was offered the chance to work with Mark Lovatt & Sons as a builders’ labourer he
decided he would like to work towards an Apprenticeship in Bricklaying.  Jamie was offered a full-time position as an Apprentice Bricklayer. Jamie accepted and was introduced to Total People who assigned him one of their dedicated Training Advisers. He was given an Initial Assessment which identified how the programme could best be structured around his needs and the needs of his employer. “Total People have been really good. They have tailored the programme to suit my needs. My Training Adviser is really supportive and I know I can contact him at any time if I have any problems,” says Jamie.
The more he progressed on his apprenticeship programme the more Jamie enjoyed it. “I find that the combination of work and study really suits me. It’s always challenging which pushes me forward.” Jamie’s hard work and determination is now beginning to pay off. He has now completed his Advanced Apprenticeship in Trowel Occupations and has also won a regional competition to represent the North West in a national Bricklaying competition. In the future, Jamie would like to own his own building or property development business.

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