At Ealing Council, we know apprenticeships change lives, but don’t take our word for it. Hear it from someone who has benefited from an apprenticeship.

Meet Brent Charles, an Ealing resident and apprentice site manager with Durkan, working on the Sherwood Close site in Ealing and read his story.

Why construction?

Brent says: “With my cousins and uncles being builders or in the construction trade, I grew up in construction. During my school vacations I used to go with them on sites, such as residential buildings.”

Brent developed an interest in construction and completed a degree in building technology, followed by another one in civil engineering.

Why an apprenticeship?

“I started an internship at a construction firm, where I developed a vast knowledge in areas such as concrete frames and works, roofing, carpentry welding. After my internship I got a job with a company building hotels, where I was a site manager for a year.

Even though I started growing and developing into the trade, I wanted to become more knowledge, competent and marketable. I also wanted to get technical experience so I decided to do an apprenticeship.”

How it’s going

“I gained a lot of knowledge during my apprenticeship. I managed to combine the knowledge that I already had with new learning and skills.

It also feels good to be part of building new homes and community spaces for people.

I will definitely recommend a construction apprenticeship. In a dynamic and changing industry, I will advise others to learn as much as they can and the more you learn, the more you become competent. You are never too old to learn.”

Why this apprenticeship?

Brent says: “I applied for a few apprenticeships and out of all the offers I received I decided to go with Joe Brennan Training after meeting with Joe. He is passionate about training young people in construction and making the industry accessible. “

What’s next for Brent?

Brent’s apprenticeship with Durkan was going to last for two years, but due to his knowledge in the field and excellent performance, he will be able to qualify in August, in only one year.

We wish Brent all the best in his future career!

Good jobs for Ealing

Councillor Bassam Mahfouz, Ealing Council’s cabinet member for decent living incomes says: “As part of our plan for Good Jobs for Ealing, we’ve been promoting the value of apprenticeships, which offer a great route into the workplace or for starting a different career.

“They can be life-changing and offer a fast and reliable way to get qualified whilst getting paid in a real job. They’re available to anyone who is at least 16 years old and not in full time education. They come in a variety of subjects and at different levels from entry level to degree level and offer a great route into exciting careers. Give it a try yourself.”

Interested in a construction apprenticeship too?

Joe Brennan Training helps developers hire and manage apprentices on behalf of Ealing Council. Find out more about this construction level 2 and 3 apprenticeship training programme and get in touch to join. You will receive tools, personal protective equipment, full on-site support, mentoring and support with college placements.

Apprenticeships at the council

Ealing Council is currently recruiting for the following level 3 apprenticeship opportunities:

• Safeguarding peer youth advisor apprentice – youth worker
• Information and records apprentice – data technician
• Surveying services apprentice – data technician
• Strategic property support apprentice – business administration.

Apply by 4 December 2022.