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Apprentices Defy Stereotypes

If you were asked to visualise a Painter & Decorator, an image of a man in white overalls may well spring to mind. However, Walsall College Apprentices are overturning these old stereotypes, proving that gender should not be a barrier to obtaining the job of your dreams.

Victoria Maher (22) has completed ICA and NVQ Level 2 in Painting & Decorating, and is currently working towards level 3 and ACA. She commented, “I chose to do an apprenticeship to get into the Painting & Decorating trade and to get the skills I need to do well. I have really been enjoying my apprenticeship – I spend 4 days working with my employer, Seddons and the remaining day at College. I’d be crawling the walls if I had to spend all day, everyday in a classroom – I much prefer to get on with doing things.

“Painting & Decorating is something I’ve always wanted to have a go at and the apprenticeship allows me to get experience on the job whist I learn the trade. Last year, I came runner up in Seddons’ Apprentice of the Year Awards which was brilliant. I wasn’t expecting it but it was a great surprise. Being a girl hasn’t been an issue at all – I get treated the same as everybody else.

“After I have completed my course, I would like to take a BTEC course and expand my skills further. In the long run, I’d like to get into Contracts Managing but I’m definitely happy where I am for now!”

Fellow Walsall College Apprentice Craig Ward (18) is currently undertaking an Advanced Apprenticeship in Hair & Beauty. He said, “Hair & Beauty is often viewed as a female dominated industry but being male has made no difference to me succeeding on my course – I was welcomed from the start.

“The apprenticeship has allowed me to gain all the skills I need in the industry, from very basic knowledge to begin with, right up to advanced level skills. I enjoy working in the salon and meeting new people. You can work at your own speed – I completed the level 2 in 14 months instead of 2 years and won Apprentice of the Year.

“In the future, I want to go as far as possible – from owning my own salon to a string of salons, and maybe even one day, have a drink with Nicky Clarke!

“My advice to anyone thinking about an apprenticeship would be to go for it! The teaching is excellent at Walsall College – I wouldn’t have chosen to study anywhere else.”


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