Painter & Decorator - Sheryl Prior

Sheryl Prior,

For 19-year-old Sheryl, the benefits of choosing a career in construction were substantial. She felt that choosing a career where there were not many females would help to balance out the industry. Not wanting to be indoors in an office environment, Sheryl also enjoys the variety of locations that she experiences as a trainee painter and decorator, as well as working in a team and with customers.

Sheryl decided to gain her qualifications and experience through the new ConstructionSkills Programme Led Apprenticeship scheme, beginning with a full time college course and ending with an on-site placement.

She attended Bexley College for the theoretical section of her apprenticeship and feels that this was extremely beneficial in offering her guidance and support and supplying her with the basic knowledge and confidence ahead of her time on-site. Whilst at college, Sheryl completed her Health and Safety assessment and achieved her Intermediate Construction Award (ICA), giving her the skills and qualifications needed to work on-site. Now that she has the practical experience as part of the Programme Led Apprenticeship initiative Sheryl has recently passed her NVQ Level 2 with London Construction Training Limited.

Sheryl was alerted to the PLA course by ConstructionSkills and feels that the process was made very simple for her, with the college, her employer and CITB-ConstructionSkills working closely together to ensure that she was a offered a suitable placement. She attended an interview with her employer, the CTG Construction Company, to ensure that she was the right candidate for the position. The company is based two hours away from Sheryl's home, but despite this she jumped at the chance, explaining:

It is the same distance away as the college and I feel that it is worth travelling to as it is a great position that I really enjoy.

The blend of learning techniques on the PLA course also appealed to Sheryl. College learning offered her guidance, whilst the practical learning elements introduced new skills such as working with the public, team working and getting real experience of the skills needed. Sheryl had worked on a number of projects during her placement and gained her NVQ 2 after just six months with training provider London Construction Training Limited based in Waltham Forest.

I was interested in the PLA course because it offered a mixture of learning, said Sheryl. I felt that it would be good to get a grounding and guidance at college before going on to a site. I also wanted to have some qualifications at the end of the course and I feel that this was the best scheme for me as I was able to learn at college, and still pass my NVQ because of the practical experience on-site.

Sheryl would like to continue working for the CTG Construction Company and looking towards the future would like to progress on to NVQ Level 3. She said:

I would definitely recommend the PLA course as a good way to begin a career in painting and decorating. There is so much variety and working at different locations means that there is always something new. Going to college first meant that I was able to gain confidence and some qualifications but I have really enjoyed my time working hands-on and being part of a team.