25/01/11
Cwmbran carpenter cuts his way out of dead-end groove
Cwmbran man Adam Fisher feared he was destined for a life of dead-end jobs after dropping out of university but is now carving out a very promising future in the field of carpentry and construction.
After completing an NVQ course, the 27-year old from Pontnewydd is now a fully qualified carpenter working with a specialist construction firm in the Usk Valley and hopes to one day own his own business.
Adam’s success in re-igniting his career is being highlighted this month as part of a New Year drive by the Welsh Assembly Government and adult learning body NIACE Dysgu Cymru to encourage people of all ages to start 2011 by seeking new knowledge or skills.
During January adults in Wales are being urged to visit one of the many open days and information events being held in colleges and other places of learning as part of the campaign entitled Your Future Your Choice Your Action, funded jointly by the Assembly Government and the European Social Fund.
After a false start at University, where he was studying animal science Adam found himself unemployed and looking for work. “I was in desperate need of money but I didn’t have any formal training and was forced to look for low-skilled work. At that point I would have taken any job that was offered to me so when a labouring job came along I immediately said yes.”
But after several months of hard graft, Adam realised he didn’t want to be a labourer for life. “I really enjoyed the hands-on aspect of the job, but I had bigger ambitions so I enrolled on an apprenticeship course with Coleg Gwent in order to get the skills I needed to build a long-term career in construction and carpentry. Having the flexibility to work and learn at the same time really appealed to me, as I’m far better with practical learning than with academic study.”
Adam is now assembling a career with Abergavenny-based firm D&J Carpentry as a skilled carpenter and master joiner after completing a NVQ in construction, achieving a Level 3 Carpentry and Joinery.
“The firm I was working with folded during the recession, just after I completed my apprenticeship. If I hadn’t done my NVQ I would have been back out looking for labouring work, but because I had experience, skills and formal training behind me I was able to step right into a role working with D&J. I’m still learning and each day I pick up a new skill or learn a new trick of the trade. Going back into education has transformed my life and given me access to a more skilled future and better job security.”
Leighton Andrews, Minister for Children, Education Lifelong Learning, applauded Adam’s, determination and stressed the importance of people of all ages improving their knowledge and skills.
He said: “It’s important for the competitiveness and prosperity of Wales that more individuals choose to increase their knowledge, skills and qualifications, whether it is in basic skills such as literacy and numeracy or through one of the thousands of vocational or academic courses available. Whatever their situation, I would encourage people to consider all the options and grasp these opportunities.”
People eager to pursue new skills are being urged to visit the website www.yourfuturechoiceaction.org.uk.
