Apprentice Case Study: Dylan Watson

As proud champions of apprenticeships in Hull, we love sharing the success stories and progress of our apprentices here at Hull College.

We caught up with 18-year-old Dylan Watson, Brickwork Apprentice at Houlton, during National Apprenticeship Week 2022 to find out why he chose to do an apprenticeship and what his experience has been of the course so far.

What made you apply for an apprenticeship?
Apprenticeships were pretty hard to come by when I was 16. As a result, I started full-time at the college but was lucky enough to offered an apprenticeship and the chance to learn and work by Houlton. The opportunity was just too good to turn down and I didn't hesitate to accept.

What inspired you to take on this particular role?
I always wanted a trade and knew that was the way I wanted to go after finishing school and completing my GCSEs. Being honest though, it was more a case of what was offered to me by the company rather than specifically going into brickwork. I was open to any apprenticeship in the construction industry but when the chance to do brickwork came along - again it was one that I couldn't turn down.

What do you like most about being an apprentice?
The varied experiences and skills you gain. You're not just in the workplace and you're not just at college - you get the best of both worlds by doing an apprenticeship. The money and earning a wage at the age 16 is an added bonus as well.

How have you benefitted from your experiences on the apprenticeship so far?
I think you grow and develop a lot differently in the workplace than you do at college, especially when starting at the age of 16. College is obviously an extension of school. It's different but similar if that makes sense, whereas working on a site surrounded by people that are much older and wise provides you with an opportunity to gain real life experience. It makes you grow up and develop much quicker in my opinion. Personally, I feel as though I've benefitted massively from being on-site and gaining those varied experiences. In saying that, you do learn different things in the workshop at college, so combining the two really is the perfect scenario.

How has the learning side of the apprenticeship at the college been for you?
It's great to have the opportunity to learn in a controlled environment. Working on-site is not always black and white whereas at college you're in a very enclosed and more structured environment. It's good to develop the skills you need to succeed in your chosen industry through two very different methods. I can't praise my tutors at the college enough for the support and help they provide.

Would you recommend an apprenticeship to others?
I think an apprenticeship is definitely the right way to go if, like I did, you want to get work experience under your belt at a young age. The opportunity to develop and pick up so many skills that are suited to a particularly job role is so important and can only aid your development and progression opportunities.

If full-time study is not for you then an apprenticeship can help you get started in your new career! Like Dylan, you'll get real work experience, gain job skills and knowledge, and study towards a relevant qualification. The quickest way into an apprenticeship is to apply for one of our current vacancies, which you can view here.

Don’t worry if there isn’t one that’s right for you though, get in touch with the team on 0300 330 2010 or via email at apprenticeships@hull-college.ac.uk to find out how they can help.

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