Inspire Magazine - Spring 2018

CASE STUDY
An inspirational
apprenticeship
Starting a brand new life and changing your career
can seem daunting, which is how Mai Pierre felt
when she moved to the UK from France in 2006.
After working as a traffic warden for seven years, she felt like she had
more to offer and wanted to make a career for herself. Mai decided to take
reduced hours at work and began studying two days a week to complete
a plumbing course.
The pride of achieving her Level 1 qualification and an apprenticeship opportunity
was followed by the struggle to fit into the male-dominated industry. Mai felt that
she was being held back from gaining further qualifications, and then 18 months
into the apprenticeship and halfway through the Level 2 qualification, she was let
go. Feeling upset and unsure of her future, she then heard about apprenticeships
with One Manchester and her enquiry led to an offer of a plumbing placement
on our Royce Road development with Proline Group.
“When I told them that I hadn’t had the chance to complete my Level 2 portfolio
they insisted that I used my time on the placement to complete my portfolio and
that they will try their utmost to provide me with the experience I require.
“Whilst on placement I was asked by a colleague on another site in passing if
I had any tools. I said that I hadn’t been able to afford any as yet but hope to
invest in some soon. The next day I was handed a bag of tools that he had kindly
donated to me. I was blown away by the generosity of the team I was working
with. It was reassuring to know that there are supportive people
in the industry.
Mai’s hard work was recognised and rewarded to her delight;
“As the placement was coming to an end I was told that I had been offered
a full-time, permanent job and that they were going to fund my Level 3
plumbing apprenticeship. I love my job and I love the company that I now
work for. If I hadn’t had this opportunity, I don’t know where I would be.”
Thinking about an apprenticeship?
Come along to our apprenticeship open day and chat to our
Employment and Skills team.
Meet a range of local organisations offering apprenticeships who will be onhand
to answer questions about opportunities to suit you. From logistics to
landscaping, childcare to accountancy, admin to motor vehicle engineering -
whatever your age, background or interests, an apprenticeship could be for you.
There will even be some great prizes to be won!
Thursday 14 June, 3pm-7pm
at The Roundhouse, Openshaw
Wednesday 20 June, 3pm-7pm
at The Powerhouse, Moss Side
To find out more about work placements
call 0330 355 1002 or email
onefuture@onemanchester.co.uk
22
@onemcr