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Sonny, a Level 2 Property Maintenance Operative apprentice at the Bicester Construction Skills Centre, is already seeing the benefits of combining hands-on industry experience with learning at college. Employed by Curtis & Carder Services Ltd., Sonny says his apprenticeship has helped him gain confidence, develop practical skills and find a career path that suits him.

Sonny's story

After previously studying full-time at college, Sonny decided an apprenticeship would provide a better opportunity to learn directly within the industry.

“I was at college full-time, and I wasn’t getting the most out of it that I could,” he explained. “So, I wanted to start an apprenticeship, and I’ve learned more in the first month than I did in the whole year of college.”

Working on-site has allowed Sonny to meet new people, interact with customers and experience a wide range of building tasks. Since starting his apprenticeship, he has developed practical skills in areas including plastering and carpentry, while also growing in confidence.

“My confidence has grown by talking to different people, and I’ve learned different building skills as well,” he said.

Sonny encourages others considering an apprenticeship to take the opportunity:

“You should do it. Just stay focused and stick with it. It’s hard to start with, but as soon as you get into a rhythm, it’s good.”

Employer perspective

Supporting Sonny throughout his apprenticeship is employer mentor Robert Thurlow from Curtis & Carder Services Ltd., a heating, plumbing and heat pump installation company based in Bicester, who praised Sonny’s development since joining the team:

“He’s come on immensely with his attitude, and his work ethic is getting there,” said Robert. “We try to make sure he understands why we do things a certain way rather than just getting him to do one small part of the job. It’s about helping him think things through and understand the bigger picture.”

Robert also highlights the value of multi-trade apprenticeships within the construction industry:

“There aren’t many multi-trades anymore because everyone specialises,” he explained. “But understanding other trades is really important. It helps apprentices learn how everything works together on-site.”

Since joining the company, Sonny has continued to grow in confidence both professionally and personally. “He was very quiet to start with, but now we’re getting him out of his shell,” Robert added. “He’s got a little bit of fire in him now, which is what we want. He’s maturing really well.”

Robert also encourages other employers to invest in apprentices and support their development properly.

“If you treat your apprentice well and teach them correctly, they’ll probably stay with you,” he said. “A lot of companies use apprentices as labour, and I think that’s completely wrong. If you invest in them, they’ll invest back in you.”

College recognition

Sonny’s tutor, Mark Hurley, has also seen significant progress during his time at college:

“After his first block, he’s been like night and day,” said Mark. “He’s helped other learners on tasks he’d never done before, and from previous employment he already had an understanding of things like tiling a roof. He picked it up from day one and then passed that knowledge on to the other learners.”

Last month Sonny, was also awarded Apprentice of the Month for April 2026. Nominated by his Training Coordinator, Ellen George, who said:

"Sonny is a perfect example of how someone through hard work and determination can turn things around for the better and really make their mark on an apprenticeship.”

With ambitions to continue progressing in the industry and eventually move into plumbing, Sonny is building strong foundations for a successful future in construction through his apprenticeship and we wish him every success in the future. Find out more about the Property Maintenance Operative Apprenticeship below.