Carpentry Apprentice
Tomas Clifton joined us in June 2021, as a Carpentry Apprentice with our #YprentisHosts Cartrefi Ltd on a project for Newydd Housing Association turning the Barry Windsor Hotel into flats. Tomas is a local lad from Barry with a Level 1 diploma and is currently attending Cardiff and Vale College and completing his Level 2 diploma, while completing his NVQ apprenticeship with Y Prentis.
Why do you want to become a Carpenter?
I wanted to become a carpenter as it’s something that’s in the family and I have had a bit of experience and really enjoyed it and thought it would be a good career to get into.
Why did you choose an apprenticeship?
I see an apprenticeship as a good opportunity for me to start doing more practical work and an apprenticeship would help me gain the skills needed onsite as well as learn all aspects of the trade.
What college do you study at and what qualification are you studying towards?
Cardiff and Vale College Barry Campus. Level 2 in Carpentry.
In what ways do you think this apprenticeship will help set you up for the future?
I feel it will help a lot as it has given me lots of real-world knowledge in the carpentry industry and enhanced my understanding at all levels. It will provide stability and security. You can always fall back on a trade once you have it.
What’s the best bit about your apprenticeship?
The best part of my apprenticeship is that carpentry is more hands-on and having a better understanding of the different types of tools we use in the trade has really helped me excel – which I find is a big achievement in my day-to-day work. I also really enjoy fitting doors, framework, and banisters.
What would you say to somebody interested in applying for an apprenticeship?
I would say just go for it as it’s lots of fun and you will not regret it.
What has been your favourite thing about your apprenticeship so far?
Getting a lot of experience and learning new things that I haven’t been able to learn and understand before. It’s all about having the chance to better yourself every day and I feel that gaining all this experience will help me shape my future.
Why do you think Carpenters are important to the construction industry?
As carpenters we build the structural framings for most builds and various other parts are assembled by carpenters. Our expertise and talents cover a variety of different areas, including: setting foundations, laying new stairs, installing beams, trims and decorations, and much more…
