From setting up a business during lockdown to changing from A levels to an apprenticeship, Jonathan Garwell, 19 from Walsoken near Wisbech reflects on a busy few years that have seen him settle down and find the right path to enable him to progress.

“I currently study on a level three plate welding apprenticeship with Stainless Metalcraft in Chatteris. I started in September 2022. It’s a three year programme and it’s been exactly what I expected and more.

“As part of my course, I gain support from the North Cambridgeshire Training Centre (NCTC), a brand new, state-of-the-art building based in Chatteris that specialises in offering Engineering, Advanced Manufacturing, Management and Business Support Apprenticeships. All of the qualifications are supported by West Suffolk College.

“Stainless Metalcraft has been training apprentices for over a 100 years and in 2010 opened their own apprentice training school on site. I spend two days per week there and the remaining days at the NCTC. It’s a partnership between Stainless Metalcraft and the college and its only 100 metres up the road so it’s perfect for me.

“I decided to change from A levels because I am more of a practical hands on person and therefore an apprenticeship suits me better.

“So far I’ve been learning lots of key skills relating to engineering, welding and working with machines. I get to learn on the job whilst getting paid.

“My employer and the College have been great. I was worried that it was going to feel like school but it’s not like that at all. You get great access to people and the support you get is spot on.

“I’m really happy with my choice and I have several options in the future.

“During lockdown, I set up my own small business. Like everyone else, there wasn’t much to do so I went out into the garden shed and stared honing my woodwork and metalwork skills. I then started making things that I could sell on eBay. I made door wedges, wooden spoons, kitchen utensils and decorative chopping boards.

“I sold items every week over the course of the year and made some money. It was more pocket change but it was a great learning experience. You have to find out what sells well and what doesn’t - and understand the market. My dad gave me some business advice and whilst my first attempt wasn’t quite big enough for Dragons Den, I might develop a business like this on a bigger scale in the future. Outside of work I like music and boxing and I’m hoping to create a career that packs a punch.

“I’d say to others who are thinking about an apprenticeship that it’s a great pathway to get the skills you need to progress. I know I originally went down one path and ended up on another – however it’s all been a learning experience and I’d say to others who are 15 or 16 years of age now that you should look around, get as much work experience as you can at different companies and in different roles, broaden your horizons and find out what works for you. I’ve got no regrets about changing my educational path. I believe the future for me is bright.”