Eastbourne and Willingdon MP Caroline Ansell has spoken to painters and decorators working on her home during National Careers Week to talk about how they got into the trade.
Olivia Blunden, 18, from Hastings is undertaking a level 2 diploma in painting and decorating at East Sussex College. Luke Wrigley, 23, also from Hastings undertook his training in Heritage Level 2 Painting & Decorating through the Prince’s Trust.
Chris Jeffreys, 20, from Eastbourne is learning on the job after being in retail. Olivia said she had initially stumbled into the job but now loves it so much she is taking the qualifications.
“Right on my doorstep this week, I got to speak to quite few young people who are starting out in their careers and their stories about how they came to do it, like it and seek qualifications is a real lesson in how opportunities can knock on any door,” said Caroline.
“It was great to hear from other apprentices on the job about the excellent level of support they had received from our College and to meet a local employer, Lindon Aslett, who is so positive about providing training opportunities for the next generation.
"It’s good to stumble into something and then get qualified, it’s good to learn on the job but it’s also important there’s advice and support out there to seek out on what is available too. National Careers Week highlights how young people can get that advice and help choose the career that suits them.”
East Sussex College Principal Rebecca Conroy: “Now more than ever, our young people need hope and support as well as access to high quality careers education, information, advice and guidance.
“At East Sussex College our priority is to give our students hope and rebuild their aspirations and confidence to succeed in their chosen fields.
“We have planned a wide range of sessions for students to access to support their next steps as part of National Careers Week and have been blown away by our local employers support – despite their significant challenges right now.”
