Mitie's Alyssa Howard on how completing an apprenticeship helped to shape her career in the FM industry
For National Apprenticeship Week, Mitie Maintenance Operative and the Construction Apprenticeship Award’s Level 2 Apprenticeship of the Year, Alyssa Howard, reflects on her journey and shares advice to others considering an apprenticeship in the FM industry.
As someone who just a couple of years ago didn’t know what laid ahead for my working life, I’m proud to share my story and how completing an apprenticeship has helped me begin my career in the FM industry. For people who might feel a bit lost in their careers or aren’t sure what to do after finishing school, National Apprenticeship Week is the perfect time to highlight the benefits of kickstarting your career with a job that means you can earn and learn!
I was learning about mechanical engineering at college, but it just wasn’t the right fit for me. I knew that something far more hands-on and practical would suit me and my learning style better, so, when I saw the Property Maintenance Operative apprenticeship advertised with Mitie, I decided to just take a chance and sign up.
Before I started the apprenticeship, it wasn’t a direction I saw my career going in. In fact, I had never even picked up a drill before those first few days on the course! But the apprenticeship learning structure suited me really well and allowed me to pick up new skills fast. The mix of classroom learning and on-the-job training helped me to stay engaged. It was also a massive perk to be able to earn money whilst I got skilled up for this new career path. Fast forward a year and I’m in a job that I love, ensuring the safety and smooth running of buildings across London by seeing to their electrical and plumbing systems. I get to travel around the city meeting new people and working on different tasks every day, and I know that the work I do on buildings is making other peoples’ days better.
The journey here hasn’t been without its challenges. I was one of only two girls on my course, and I’m currently the only female Engineer on my contract. That means I often have people surprised to see me show up to fix their engineering or plumbing issues! With the support of my team, this has never been an issue for me, and I know that by continuing to show up and confront these preconceptions, I can show other women that this could also be a career path for them. That’s partly why I was so proud to become the first woman to be named Level 2 Apprentice of the Year at the Construction Apprenticeship Awards at the end of last year. Standing up on that stage to accept my award made me realise how far I have come.
Having completed my Level 2 apprenticeship, I now have ambitions to one day become a Facilities Manager, and I’m currently applying to the Level 3 Building Maintenance apprenticeship to help me on my journey to get there. I’d really encourage more young people to think about their own personal skills and learning preferences, rather than be swayed by what anyone else is doing or what is considered a ‘traditional’ or more obvious route. I’m glad I got the opportunity to do an apprenticeship and find something I love to do, and I hope that others get that chance too.
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