One year ago, Flannery hosted the first intake of the Trailblazer group of apprentices, who started their training at the newly launched Operator Skills Hub. This apprenticeship program is a special one for the Flannery team, as it marked us as one of the first employers in the UK to develop the new Construction Plant Operative standard that helps to prepare operators for the digitally enabled construction site.
With the kick-off of National Apprenticeship Week 2022 upon us, we met Callum, our Trailblazer apprentice, and asked him what it’s like ‘to be a Flannery Apprentice’, and what he experienced during his first year of the apprenticeship.
Hi Callum. Please tell us your story. What attracted you to the construction industry?
‘I wanted to learn a new skill set that not many people can do, have a job that I will feel proud to tell others about.’
What plant operating experience have you had throughout your apprenticeship so far?
‘I have operated the rollers, telehandlers and various dumpers on clients’ sites. I have also had the opportunity to operate the 360 excavators throughout the training. They are big bits of kit and require a lot of skill and talent to operate.
‘If I could choose my favourite plant, it would be the 45-tonne articulated dump truck. Operating this machine is pure excitement for me!’
What do you enjoy the most about being a Flannery apprentice?
‘So far, I’ve enjoyed the most operating the top-quality equipment that Flannery offers to the clients, being on-site and the work experience I’ve gained over the past year.’
What are your hopes for the future?
‘My dream is quite simple. Become a highly experienced operator who can professionally use all types of plant to a high job standard and always improve my operating skills. Earn good wages which will help me to raise and look after my family and treat ourselves to nice holidays!’
Best of luck with everything Callum!
