“I’m loving this course!” said 54-year-old Paul Fisher who signed up for the construction plant operative and groundworks sector-based work academy programme after losing his job in the hospitality industry as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic.
Paul added “In the first phase of the course I learnt to lay bricks and thoroughly enjoyed it – in my first couple of days I built a brick arch and was over the moon at what I’d achieved.”
“I’ve now moved on to phase two and am learning to drive a dumper truck and I know that this is what I want to do on a construction site in the future.
“Because I’m older I was initially worried about coming back to college and asking questions but there was nothing to worry about as everyone in the group gets on well and supports each other and I look forward to coming to college every day.
“The tutors are really knowledgeable and make learning comfortable – the support from the college has been amazing and if you’re willing to learn they’ll support you all the way.
“Once I complete course, I hope to get a steady job, work for a company and enjoy what I do. I’ve surprised myself on this course but feel confident about the future and am looking forward to it.”