World Youth Skills Day

In 2014, the United Nations appointed 15 July as World Youth Skills Day, as a way of highlighting rising unemployment amongst young people and the problems this presents in countries across the world.

According to the Global Employment Trends for Youth 2020, the number of youths not in employment, education or training (NEET) has been on an upward trend since 2017, and it’s projected that this will translate to around 273 million people in 2021.

World Skills Day is also an opportunity for young people, educational and training institutions, and stakeholders to celebrate the importance of equipping young people with skills for employment and work. We spoke to a few apprentices regarding their work, what prompted them to start in the industry, and how the pandemic has affected their work life in recent months.

Gary Bieske - Apprentice Gas Engineer

Why did you want to get involved in this industry?

“I’ve always liked a hands-on approach to many things, and I feel I’m better with my hands than I am with my brain. Both of my parents work with computers, but I didn’t really want to follow in their footsteps.”

Where do you see yourself in the future?

“In 5 years, I hope to have gained more than a domestic gas qualification, and hopefully own a house! I have a lot more experience around a lot of trades rather than qualifications, but I do have a forklift licence which I used in my previous line of work.”

How has the pandemic affected your work?

“I was off for 9 weeks during lockdown. Now that I'm back we have to glove up and mask up on most jobs."

Connie Palmer - Apprentice Site Carpenter

Why did you want to get involved in this industry and what qualifications do you have?

“I’ve always had an interest in the process of construction and how things are made. I enjoy the variety of work and get a real sense of achievement at the end of every day! No two days are the same and I’m always learning.

I currently have a level 1 BTEC in Carpentry and Joinery and I’m currently an apprentice working towards my level 2 Carpentry. I hope to complete level 3 as well! I’ve completed a course about Construction and Sustainable Development with The Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB).  I also won an award at college for Construction Department Student of the Year 2018/19.”

Where do you see yourself in the future?

“In the next 5 years I would like to be a fully qualified carpenter. I’d love to travel to other countries and see how different communities build to suit their climates and needs.”

How has the pandemic affected your work? “This pandemic meant that I had to be furloughed from work for around 12 weeks. It wasn’t all that bad as it gave me a lot of time to work on some projects of my own such as bird boxes, bird tables, and I’ve also learnt how to do pyrography (burning wood with a hot pen).

Ryan Holloway - Gas and Heating Engineer 

Why did you want to get involved in this industry?

“My whole family is linked with the construction industry - my dad is a Carpenter, my Grandad was a bricklayer, and my uncle owns his own architecture company. So, I thought it was best for me to carry on in the industry.

“However, what made me choose the Gas industry was that, while working on a property with my dad there was also a gas engineer in at the same time fitting a new central heating system and it fascinated me how he fitted the boiler and the job satisfaction of when everything goes right and you have pleased your customer just seemed really appealing to me.”

“I’m currently level 1 and level 2 qualified plumbing and heating engineer and have just started my level 3 gas and heating course to work towards my gas safe registration.”

How has the pandemic affected your work?

“Due to the pandemic it caused me to be furloughed for 3 weeks, and after a week back at work I was also furloughed again for a further 3 weeks. “It was nice to spend time with family and my new-born daughter, however now I’m back at work properly, although under strict guidelines, it’s good to be back working again and extending my knowledge.”

Alfie Warburton - Qualified Plumber and Trainee Gas Engineer

Why did you want to get involved in this industry and what qualifications do you have?

“It would have to be the variety of trades you could possibly create a future in and the knowledge you gain on a daily basis. Being a plumber myself, I get to meet a lot of people as I’m in and out of houses most of the time. I enjoy making people happy and doing that extra bit for them.

“I currently hold an NVQ Level 2 in Plumbing. I’m working towards my level 3 and Gas Safety Certificate which hopefully will come early 2021.”

Where do you see yourself in the future?

“In the next 5 years I would like to own my own plumbing and gas company outside of the UK, maybe Australia or Canada.”

How has the pandemic affected your work?

“The pandemic for me wasn’t necessarily a bad thing. Although I had 3 months off work. I used to time to focus on what I want to achieve during my career and what I need to do to achieve that. Since being back at work I feel a lot more refreshed and excited to be back to it.”