Why I chose Carpentry
I was already working before I started at the college, but then I realised that I enjoyed joinery and wanted to attend college to retrain.
Why Leeds College of Building?
Knowing that I already wanted to go into the joinery trade made my life easier when choosing which college to attend.
If you like doing stuff with your hands and the practical side of learning, then I’d recommend the Carpentry & Joinery course. It’s a good trade and the money is good too!
I joined the college later than most students, but I found the transition from school to college quite smooth.
I found the application process to be tricky in parts because I started at the college later in the year. So, I rang the college to find out the process for later applications.
As I was applying for my course later than most students, I thought the application process was going to be trickier. But I applied for the course online and was invited to a Welcome Day where I was shown around the college and was inducted onto the course.
My day-to-say
My day starts at 9am. On Tuesdays I start off in the classroom learning the theory side of my course, then after my break I have my maths and English lessons.
On Wednesdays I’m in the workshop all day working on my practical work and refining my skills.
I enjoy my English classes but sometimes I struggle with my maths work. However, I know that my tutors will have given me the necessary knowledge and practice to pass my GCSEs when the time comes.
Favourite part of the course
I love how hands-on the course is, you make everything yourself and you can see the progress as your work comes to life. Once you put your mind to something you can make anything.
“If you’re struggling whilst you’re at college then you just need to ask for help – it’s that easy.”
What’s next for me
I’m not sure what I want to do next right now, but I know I have a few options.
I could choose the apprenticeship route for my third year, or I could go straight into full time work.
When I’m not attending college, I work part time as a labourer, so I have the knowledge and experience to explore different options in the future.
Support that makes all the difference
If you’re struggling whilst you’re at college then you just need to ask for help – it’s that easy.
Even if you’re a quieter student then I think the tutors will notice anyway when you’re struggling and they will come over to help you.
I also know that I can go and see Liz, my progress coach, if I need to spend some time with someone to clear my head.
Also, the employability team helped me to polish up my CV – my work experience was strong enough on my CV anyway, but the team helped me refine my CV to make it look professional.
My advice to the next generation
Keep your attendance high! Always come into college, as if you don’t come in – you’re going to miss out on your learning, and it’ll be harder to catch up when you return. This is especially true for trades as you won’t be able to complete a job if you haven’t attended college to learn the techniques.
There’s a lot more freedom at college compared to secondary school. You’re given the chance to manage your own time, and you’re treated like an adult. The teachers here don’t coddle you as much as at school.
The main difference is that all the students are here because they’ve chosen to be, and they want to be here. I think this creates a more focused and positive environment.
Kail Temple is a Level 2 Carpentry student at Leeds College of Building.
