In Lincolnshire over 6,000 adults and young people start an apprenticeship each year. For National Apprenticeship Week we caught up with two local apprentices at Lindum to hear more about their experiences.
Lindum currently has 18 apprentices across many different trades, and one of their apprentices recently won Property Apprentice of the Year at the Lincolnshire Construction Awards.
Apprentice Georgia Dickinson joined the joinery team at Lindum’s 12,000 square foot workshop at its Station Road business park last year. She is working as a bench joinery apprentice while continuing her studies at Lincoln College.
Georgia originally trained as a plumber at Lincoln College but when the pandemic hit, she struggled to get an apprenticeship in that trade. Instead, she decided to try the joinery apprenticeship and found that she actually preferred it.
Initially Georgia came to Lindum on work experience at the end of 2021 and really enjoyed it, so when she was later offered an apprenticeship there, she was thrilled.
Since starting, Georgia has been learning how to use all the different equipment and has been involved with some great projects, such as a new bespoke shop front in Gainsborough marketplace.
Most recently, Georgia created a miniature wooden Lindum skip to donate to Little Lincoln on the Carlton Centre. The skip will be used by the kids in their construction area to learn and play.
Apprenticeships are a fantastic way to develop skills and knowledge in your chosen profession and can often open up many career opportunities once the apprenticeship is completed.
Former apprentice Zak Copping has now started full-time work with Lindum Security as he prepares to become one of the first people in Lincolnshire to achieve a new industry qualification.
Zak has studied for three years with the aim of gaining a Level 3 apprenticeship, which will enable him to become a qualified Fire, Emergency and Security Systems Technician.
The course is only offered at a handful of places in the country and Zak navigated the Covid pandemic and remote studying during his studies. He also worked at Lindum and attended Newark College for a few days each month.
Zak is now working full time with the Lindum Security team of engineers and security officers, based at the Lindum Business Park on Station Road. He will undertake his final assessment in Southport this year, which was delayed because of the pandemic.
When asked about his new job Zak said: “It’s been really fun, and I’ve travelled all around the UK. It’s ideal because the role gives you the opportunity to see different places, without having to plan a trip.
“I’ve had the chance to go up and down the country, from Cambridge to up north in Yorkshire, all while working, which is great.”
He said that although his qualification is new, he thinks it will soon become a standard requirement in the security industry.
Over three years, Zak has learned to design, install, commission, and maintain electronic systems to protect individuals, homes and properties from risk and danger.
National Apprenticeship Week is a great time to consider starting an apprenticeship if you are interested in upskilling or starting a new career.