If you have a question about an apprenticeship, click here

How do you turn a qualification into a long-term career, and what happens after you complete your training?

In Episode 10 of the WorkWise Apprenticeship Podcast, Morgan speaks to Cameron Croft about his journey into carpentry, the importance of gaining practical experience, and how a structured training programme is helping him take the next step in his career.

Cameron joined the business in August 2025 as a Carpenter Improver after successfully completing his NVQ Level 2 in Carpentry. The Improver role provides an important bridge between qualification and becoming a fully established tradesperson, allowing individuals to continue developing their skills while gaining valuable real-world experience on-site.

As part of a 12-month training programme, Cameron is working alongside experienced tradespeople who are helping him build confidence, refine his techniques and develop the practical knowledge needed to succeed in the industry.

The programme is designed to gradually increase responsibility as skills and experience grow. Through mentorship, hands-on learning and exposure to a variety of projects, Cameron is developing the expertise needed to work independently and take on more complex tasks.

Throughout the episode, Cameron discusses his decision to pursue a career in carpentry, what he learned while completing his qualification, and how the transition from training into full-time employment has helped him continue to grow professionally.

He also shares insights into the importance of learning from experienced colleagues, the value of practical experience, and what a typical day looks like working on the Portsmouth City Council contract.

Upon successfully completing the programme, Cameron will progress into a full trade role, taking on greater independence and responsibility as he continues to build his career within the construction industry.

For anyone considering a career in carpentry or wondering what opportunities exist after gaining a qualification, Cameron's story highlights how learning doesn't stop once you achieve a certificate. Continued development, mentorship and on-the-job experience all play an important role in becoming a skilled tradesperson.

Listen now to hear how Cameron is building on his qualifications, developing his confidence and taking the next steps towards a successful career in carpentry.

If you have any questions about the podcast, apprenticeships or Mountjoy please send us a message.

If you have a question about an apprenticeship, click here

Sometimes the career you end up loving isn't the one you originally planned.

In Episode 9 of the WorkWise Apprenticeship Podcast, Angel talks to Brian Muzuva, a Trainee Quantity Surveyor with Mountjoy, about how a T-Level industry placement helped him discover a career in construction and ultimately led to a permanent role.

Brian's interest in construction actually stretches back to his time at school in Zimbabwe, where he studied the basics of building and construction. After moving to the UK, however, he initially planned to study A-Levels and pursue a career in computers and technology.

That changed when a lecturer suggested he consider a T-Level in Design, Planning and Surveying for Construction.

As part of the course, Brian needed to complete an industry placement. Like many young people taking their first steps into the workplace, not every application was successful. But Mountjoy gave Brian the opportunity to gain experience with its Building Projects team.

It proved to be a turning point.

During his placement, Brian developed an interest in estimating and quantity surveying, learning more about how construction projects are planned, costed and delivered. After completing further work experience, he secured a permanent position and is now developing his career as a Trainee Quantity Surveyor.

Learning in the real world

Brian tells Angel that one of the biggest benefits of his role has been how much he's been able to learn in a relatively short space of time.

Working alongside experienced colleagues has allowed him to ask questions, tackle challenges and build his confidence. He also explains some of the skills young people need if they're considering a similar career, including attention to detail, communication, organisation and problem solving.

Quantity surveying can involve handling drawings, quotations, subcontractor orders and changing information across a project. And because every construction project is different, Brian explains why being able to think on your feet and solve problems is such an important part of the job.

Opening doors for the future

Brian's advice for anyone considering an apprenticeship is simple: go for it.

For him, one of the biggest advantages is being able to combine study with genuine workplace experience. Instead of only learning something in a classroom, you're able to apply that knowledge to real projects while developing practical skills employers value.

Brian's journey is also a reminder that you don't necessarily need your entire career mapped out when you leave school or college. A lecturer's suggestion, a T-Level and an industry placement introduced him to a career he hadn't originally planned to pursue.

By being willing to learn, work hard and take opportunities when they appeared, that first placement eventually opened the door to his career with Mountjoy.

🎧 Episode 9 of the WorkWise Apprenticeship Podcast, featuring Brian Muzuva talking to Angel, is available wherever you listen to podcasts.

Catch up with every episode at expressfm.com/workwise.

If you have any questions about the podcast, apprenticeships or Mountjoy please send us a message.

If you have a question about an apprenticeship, click here

What happens after you complete an apprenticeship? How do you decide which career path is right for you?

In Episode 8 of the WorkWise Apprenticeship Podcast, Callum speaks to Joe Harvey about his apprenticeship journey, the skills he developed along the way, and why he chose to specialise in plumbing.

Joe began his career in September 2023 as a Level 2 Property Maintenance Apprentice while studying at City of Portsmouth College. During the two-year programme, he spent one day each week at college while gaining valuable hands-on experience in the workplace.

One of the biggest benefits of the Property Maintenance Apprenticeship is the opportunity to experience a variety of trades. Throughout his training, Joe developed practical skills in plumbing, carpentry, plastering, electrical work, painting and decorating, tiling, flooring, general maintenance, temporary repairs and customer service.

This broad experience allowed him to gain a better understanding of the industry and discover which trade suited his interests and strengths.

After successfully completing his apprenticeship, Joe decided to focus on plumbing and has now progressed into the role of Plumbing Improver. Since May 2026, he has been working independently, putting into practice the skills and knowledge he developed during his apprenticeship while continuing to gain experience on the job.

Joe is currently awaiting his formal qualification certificate and will soon progress into a role as a fully qualified plumber, marking the next step in his career.

During the episode, Joe talks about what attracted him to an apprenticeship, the challenges and rewards of learning multiple trades, and how he made the decision to specialise in plumbing. He also shares insights into a typical working day and offers advice for young people who may be considering a similar career path.

For anyone interested in plumbing, property maintenance or the construction industry, Joe's story highlights how apprenticeships can provide a strong foundation, helping you explore different opportunities before choosing the route that suits you best.

Listen now to hear how Joe developed his skills, found his passion for plumbing, and is building a successful career through apprenticeship training.

If you have any questions about the podcast, apprenticeships or Mountjoy please send us a message.