Cael Broadfoot joined Comserv in September 2021 as a Carpenter Apprentice. He attended Highbury College on day release to undertake his training to Standard Level 2 Carpentry. Cael completed his Apprenticeship, and an Improver year, and he continues to work for Comserv as a Carpenter. We spoke to Cael to find out how he found his Apprenticeship.

Why did you choose the construction industry?

I dropped out of high school at 17 and moved down from Glasgow to be with my girlfriend (now fiancé). I had no work and didn’t know what to do. So, I decided I should look to learn a skill that would be the best way to get me into work.

Why did you choose this apprenticeship and what other options were you considering when you made your decision?

I considered becoming a chef, as I felt this was another trade that would stand the test of time. However, I went along to an Open Day at Horndean Technology College where a representative from Bordon college did a very convincing job ‘selling’ a Carpentry Apprenticeship to me. I enrolled with Bordon Skill Centre, but unfortunately, they didn’t have enough people enrolled to fund the course so I had to find another college. I found a placement with a company but when I found Comserv were taking on Apprentices I left my old job and swiftly swapped over to Comserv in between term times so that my college time was not affected.

What are some practical skills/techniques you've learned?

At college I’ve learned all aspects of carpentry – flooring, joists, doors, kitchen fitting, etc, and I’ve passed all the tests with distinction. However, at college everything you do is practised on metal rigs which don’t move.

At Comserv working on maintenance repairs, I’ve learnt that it’s different. Wood moves, bricks move and houses subside. There are lots of different factors – even the weather from summer to winter. So, from working in tenants homes – I have had to learn how to overcome problems that arise. Problem solving is a big aspect of carpentry which college doesn’t teach you. It comes with experience.

What are some of the social skills that you've learned?

I’ve always been confident at talking to people, but I’ve learned to speak to clients in a more professional way. Conversations with friends and colleagues are very different to a worker to client conversation.

Sometimes conversations can be difficult if what I’m saying is not what the tenant wants to hear. I’ve learned how to deescalate a situation with an irate tenant. So long as I explain the situation to them clearly, the majority of people understand you’re not to blame and have no control particularly if the work they are expecting is outside of our scope of service.

How is your working relationship with the other Operatives as an Apprentice?

Everyone at Comserv has been splendid. I’ve worked with almost every Carpenter and a lot of the Plumbers and Multitrade Operatives too and I get on well with all of them. Hopefully they feel the same about me! They’re all very pleasant people, and I’ve experienced no issues.

Would you recommend an apprenticeship to a school leaver or someone who is considering a career change?

Yes – I would. An Apprenticeship builds real world experience.

What do you like about your job?

Carpentry is what I want to do. I enjoy doing it every day, day in and day out. If I didn’t enjoy it, I don’t know that I’d be here.

Would you like to help to train new apprentices in the future?

I’ve always been the trainee. I’d like to help to train new Apprentices but I think I need to get a bit more experience first. I’m still learning, so it’s not for the near future.

What advice would you give to anyone considering an apprenticeship?

I would say it’s common sense to learn a trade through an Apprenticeship. And it’s always worth it no matter the outcome. Learn the skills and you will always have them as a safety net to fall back on. Even if you don’t continue with it as your career choice, you will use the skills when you buy your own house and save yourself money.

You recently undertook your Blue Lamp Driving Assessment, how did you get on?

I did really well. The Assessor sang my praises and said I was “a really good, calm driver, low risk and not clunky.” I’m used to driving with a black box which means I’m aware of speed limits and how I am driving.

This means you’ll be out in your own van soon, doesn’t it?…

Yes, I’m just waiting for the van to be made ready and I should be out driving it within the next week or so.

Cael with his new van in March 2023

More about the Blue Lamp Driving Assessment

The Blue Lamp Driving Assessment is a cost effective way of assessing driver competence and risk levels to satisfy Health & Safety requirements and identifying additional training needs. Comserv aims to assess all young or inexperienced drivers through Blue Lamp Driving Assessment before they are allocated a company works van. This is particularly relevant for many of our Apprentices who have passed their driving tests whilst gaining their Apprenticeship and so have less driving experience.

The benefits to the Blue Lamp Driving Assessment are to:

• Identify current driving risk levels
• Identify additional training needs
• Reduce incidents and associated costs
• Protect company assets/reputation
• H&S Compliance

The assessment consists of a driving licence and eyesight check followed by a 45 minute drive across a variety of road types. Each candidate is asked to perform 2 reversing manoeuvres and possibly an emergency stop. A maximum of 9 driving faults are allowed and a high level of driving competence is required to pass.

Shortlisted for Apprentice of the Year in October 2024

In October 2024 Cael was shortlisted at the News and Observer Apprenticeship Awards for Intermediate Apprentice of the Year. He went along to the Awards Ceremony at the Portsmouth Marriott Hotel, supported by Supervisors and Managers. On the night Cael received a highly commended certificate.

Richard Cooper, Comserv Group Executive Manager said: