National Apprenticeship Week – Matt’s story

Matt applied for an apprenticeship with Cambria Maintenance Services while in his first year of college. Since joining the team, he has learnt a range of new skills and had plenty of hands-on experience, helping him on his way to becoming a Gas Engineer.  

“I dropped out of sixth form when I realised it wasn’t for me. I decided that I wanted to be doing something more hands-on, but I found that college didn’t really suit me either. After studying plumbing for two years, I applied for an apprenticeship with Cambria Maintenance Services.  

I wasn’t working at the time, so it was important to me to find somewhere that would help and encourage me to improve. I really like how Cambria does things. They have supported me to develop my skills and I haven’t felt out of my depth at all. 

Since starting the apprenticeship with Cambria I’ve done a bit of everything. I have tiled walls and floors among other things and the experience has helped me make decisions for the future. The range of skills on offer is why I applied but my focus for the future is to become a gas engineer.  

Normally, apprentices need to attend college for one day a week but because I had already done a year of college, I don’t need to go back. It’s a good option for people like me who find that the school or college environment isn’t for them after their first year.  

I have a portfolio to complete, taking pictures of my work on site to support a write-up that I submit to an assessor alongside some on-site visual assessments of my work and practice as well. I will also attend college for one day a week when I start my level 3 certification.  

The opportunity to be working on site with such a friendly group of people has been a much better learning experience for me overall. The electricians, plumbers and gas engineers have been great to work alongside, and it feels really good to be a part of it.”

Find out more about Cambria’s apprenticeship program by heading over to our apprenticeships page.