By Caleb Alan McDonald
My name is Caleb Alan McDonald. I’m doing level two bench joinery, and I work for the company Paradigm Woodworking Specialists. I have a ton of hobbies, and I love going outside and experiencing nature. I got into woodworking because of my dad as he’s a self-taught woodworker and specialist so he got me into it.
Why I Chose LCB
I live local to the area, so I knew that it was a pretty good college in general. I’ve heard a ton of great reviews about the place, and I’ve always wanted to come here.
Finding my Apprenticeship
I found the application process to be quite smooth. I got this apprenticeship through my secondary school and their Careers Team found the apprenticeship offer for me and I got really lucky.
Originally, I joined the college on the multi skills course for a year as I wanted to try a bit of everything. But after receiving the apprenticeship offer, I decided to go full on woodworking like my dad rather than starting the multi skills course.
A Day in the Life
Typically, I start my day in college by preparing my bench with all the necessary tools and waiting to see what I’ll be learning today. Once I’ve completed the task I may work on my portfolio too if I have time. When working onsite get up early to start work at 7:30am on the bench, then I await the job instructions from my floor manager and crack on with my day. It’s quite relaxed in my job area but I know there is plenty of support available if I need any help.
My course also includes some theory work where I’ve learned about the properties of wood – how it’s grown, wood textures and the various types of hard and soft wood. With the practical element we’ve recently been tasked with creating a door frame, so I had to draw out the plans then assembling the frame from planks of wood into the final product.
I love the practical side of the course, and I always wanted to go into a hands-on career since I was young as I’ve always loved making things and still do in my spare time.
“If I need any support, I know I can go to any member of staff in the college”
My Future Goals
My future goals are to work for a company like the City Council, but to also be self-employed small business making chopping boards and furniture.
Support that Makes a Difference
I receive support from various teams whilst I’m in college as I struggle with my mental health. During exams I receive extra time, and I also have a reader which is very helpful for me. If I need any support, I know I can go to any member of staff in the college.
My Advice For Future Apprentices
I would recommend that you complete your portfolio work straight away and not to worry too much about the practical side. You’ll pick up the practical side as you go through your portfolio as you need all the evidence you can get!
