Michelle Mollins from Aberdare is one of four apprentices who joined Trivallis this year. After being made redundant from a role at a utility company aged 44, Michelle is excited for this new chapter of her life.
Michelle said: “I saw the Trivallis Futures apprenticeship roles advertised on social media and thought it would finally be an opportunity to make a career for myself. I’d never felt properly fulfilled in my work and was excited by the thought of getting the opportunity to really get stuck into a new experience.
“I never in a million years thought I would be successful but, after a challenging shortlisting process, I was elated when I got the call to offer me the position of apprentice surveyor.”
Since starting the role, Michelle has gone through a full induction process and is now working with the surveying team to learn as much as she can.
“The team is so knowledgeable and experienced, and they always make time to help me and answer my questions. At first, I was nervous and started to doubt my ability, but they have been respectful and so supportive of me. I felt like a part of the team straight away.” She added.
Through the Trivallis Futures apprenticeship scheme, Michelle will work towards gaining a recognised qualifications in construction and the built environment at Nantgarw College, as well as getting valuable work experience.
Michelle said: “I left school when I was 16 and went straight to work, so college is a completely new experience for me; I’m already learning so much. I’m working towards my BTEC diploma in construction and surveying, which is a two-year course, as well as my NVQ level three and four. I’m so grateful for this opportunity and want to prove myself by being successful.
“When I pass college and have achieved my diploma, I’d love to be a member of the chartered institute of builders (MCIOB) like so many of my colleagues are. That would be an amazing achievement.”
Over the last ten years, Trivallis has trained over 40 apprentices and trainees. This latest round of recruitment saw the organisation recruit two apprentice plumbers, one apprentice electrician, and one apprentice surveyor. More information on the Trivallis Futures apprenticeship scheme can be found on the Trivallis website: www.trivallis.co.uk/trivallisfutures.