PICTURED ABOVE: Corran McCone, Apprentice Joiner at Esh Construction
A new local apprentice has taken the first step towards a career in construction after securing a role as Apprentice Joiner within Esh’s affordable housing division.
Recruited via EN:Able Futures award-winning Flexi-Job Apprenticeship Service, Corran McCone, aged 18 started his new role on site in September 2021. Working on the 82-home Pemberton Road project in Castleford which is being delivered in partnership with Leeds Federated and WDH, we caught up with him to discuss why he wanted to work in construction and how he is finding his time at Esh so far.
What made you want to work in the construction industry?
I’ve always had an interest in creative, hands-on careers and I enjoy making things. I spent the summer at Scunthorpe Steelworks working alongside my dad who is a welder, mainly labouring. When I had an opportunity, I learnt how to weld however it wasn’t something I could see myself doing long-term.
I have previously studied electrical installation at college, however I then moved onto joinery as I feel I have more of a natural interest in woodwork.
What apprenticeship will you complete?
I am studying Level 2 Carpentry and Joinery at Leeds College of Building on a day release basis – one-day at college then four days on site.
I found the apprenticeship vacancy online via EN:Able Futures and was instantly attracted to the opportunity. Through this apprenticeship I will gain a wide range of experience working on a live construction site doing first, second and final fix joinery.
What have you enjoyed most so far?
I have learnt how to do floor joists, floorboards, door frames and fixing roof trusses down – all of which use new tools than what I have used at college. I have really enjoyed learning on the job and I find it really useful when it comes to college paperwork as I have a better understanding of carpentry from practical work on site.
What would you say to another young person who was considering an apprenticeship?
It is better than I imagined it would be, every day is different and the site team are supportive. That’s my favourite part of having an apprenticeship, you gain so much from being on site, you gain much more knowledge than just being in the classroom.
What are your future career goals?
I aim to qualify and stay working as a joiner as I prefer being in a hands-on job.
It is better than I imagined it would be, every day is different and the site team are supportive. That’s my favourite part of having an apprenticeship that you gain so much from being on site, you gain much more knowledge than just being in the classroom.”
This article orginaly appeared on Esh Group's website.