Apprenticeships give young people the opportunity to learn new skills and gain experience on the job, giving them an excellent grounding for a career in construction.

To celebrate National Apprenticeship Week, two of our brilliant young trainees, Toby and Charlie, speak about their time at Seamans and how they would urge other young people to consider an apprenticeship.

Toby

Toby Drew, 21, from Eye, is a trainee painter and decorator and has been at Seamans since 2020.

Hardworking and dedicated to his work, Toby is a well-regarded member of the Seamans team.

“It’s a great industry to get into,” he said, “I love it.”

“Houses are built all the time and skilled tradespeople are vital to keeping them in good condition and repair.

“Apprenticeships are great because you get to learn on the job.

“It’s a lot different from learning in class, you get the expert experience of the people working around you.

“You learn so many tricks of the trade.”

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Charlie

Trainee carpenter Charlie Stanbrook, 17, has been at Seamans since he left school.

A talented craftsman, Charlie is a rising star at the company and relishes the chance to take on new responsibilities.

“My father was a builder so I have grown up in that environment,” he said.

“Carpentry was a career I was considering at school. I had heard of Seamans being a reputable local company and thought I would give it a go.

“I have learnt so much from my time here.  I have worked with five different projects so have picked up lots of new skills.

“I really enjoy it here, it’s a great company to work for.

“We all get on really well so it’s a great working environment.

“The people who have been here longer than I have are always ready to share their experience.

“Long-term, I want to become a fully trained carpenter.

“I would advise young people like me to look at going the apprenticeship route.

“It means you can learn a trade while earning money and pick up lots of new skills from actually doing the job.”

For more information on apprenticeships at Seamans and how to apply, visit our careers page.