Cai, apprentice at Williams Homes, shares his thoughts on his journey to date

Why did you choose an apprenticeship and career in woodworking and joinery? 

I’ve always been interested in woodworking even from a young age. I’m a very practical person and also quite creative, and joinery allows me to use these qualities daily which is great.

What surprised you most about the sector? 

I would have to say the sheer amount of career options within the trade. There are so many different paths to choose from, which is a really good thing because once you’ve mastered a certain aspect of joinery you can move onto a new challenge – it keeps things interesting.

What is your proudest achievement to date? 

Using the skills I have learnt on site and, with the help of a more experienced craftsperson, building new decking for my parents. It looked great and it was fulfilling to be able to use the skills I’ve learnt at work to create something that myself and the rest of my family can use for years to come.

What do you see as the next steps in your career? 

Right now, I am focused on completing my apprenticeship this summer (2022) and working hard on site, making sure that I’m always learning and improving.