Interview with Sisk apprentice, Sky

Tell us a bit about yourself...?

Hi, my name is Sky. I’m 17 years old, and I’m living in Milton Keynes. I am currently in college studying Construction Site Management, and I’m also two years into an apprenticeship with Sisk.??

How did you hear about Sisk and get into the apprenticeship programme??

So, whilst I was in school, Sisk offered eight students the opportunity to join them at their project at the Sir Herbert Leon (SHL) Academy as a learning experience. I was the only girl out of the eight people who joined Sisk at the site.??

I learned so much from being there as it was the first construction site I've ever been to, and Sisk took the time to show us all the tools and techniques.??

Out of the eight people at the SHL Academy, four were chosen to enter the full apprenticeship program with Sisk. Thankfully, I was one of the four!??

So was the practical learning your favourite aspect of being at SHL Academy??

Definitely. Getting involved for the first time, going in open-minded and learning lots in a live environment was so important for me. Personally, I learn much more this way than being in the classroom. I’ve always taken up a lot more through practical work, so being at the Academy with Sisk was an incredible experience.??

Had you ever considered a career in construction before this experience??

Not really, no. I did work on a skip yard briefly, and for my dad’s business too. I think through working those jobs I found I had a knack for practical work and getting stuck in, which is something I value to this day.??

You’re currently based at the Wembley project. How do you find working on-site there???

It’s been an amazing experience so far! My day generally involves shadowing my line manager Bobby and learning from him, until I get my site certification.??

It’s still a learning role for the most part, but I’m really enjoying being on-site with Bobby. As a student it’s still amazing being on a site at a project the size of Wembley, so I’m just taking it one day at a time and taking in everything I can.???

How do you find juggling your college course and an apprenticeship with Sisk simultaneously??

They balance out well actually. I’m on-site with Sisk on Mondays and Tuesdays, then back in college for the rest of the week. Both sides are accommodating and they don’t get in the way of each other very often. Being in the apprenticeship complements my college work as well, so they both mesh well with each other.??

If there ever is an overlap, my college allows me to attend online training because they know that the Sisk apprenticeship is a huge help in my education.??

Now you’ve been with us for two years, how do you find working for Sisk???

I’ve enjoyed it so far, and I’ve learned so much through the practical side. Like I said before, I learn more through doing the work, so being on-site with construction people is a great experience. I think I’ve found my passion, and I know that this is what I want to do with my career.??

I feel like I’ve definitely gained more confidence. I’m much more comfortable being independent when I’m working by myself, and testing my knowledge in a construction environment.?

Would you recommend Sisk as a place to do an apprenticeship after your own experience??

Yes of course, for all that I’ve learned over the past two years. Sisk is a great place to develop your skillset and is so accommodating to your schedule. Being on-site at high-profile projects and learning directly from industry experts is so important to your education.???

What are your plans for the future??

I take it as comes, one day at a time. I make the most of every opportunity to learn and become more confident. I want to finish my course and the apprenticeship, then hopefully I'll make the best steps into a construction career.???

Finally, do you have any advice for anybody looking to do an apprenticeship??

If you enjoy it, go for it. You have to enjoy the work you do. Find your passion and make it your career.???

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