Tell me about what you do at the Trust?
I’m an Apprentice Lock Gate Technician within the design and manufacturing team, part of the Trust’s Direct Services division. I’m based at our Bradley Workshop in the West Midlands.
My role involves carrying out inspections of lock gates that are due for part or full replacement, identifying any potential issues and CAD modelling the new gates for manufacture in the workshops. I came to this role with no previous experience of manufacturing or production, but with a real desire to start a career that felt more meaningful to me. Over my apprenticeship, I have gained countless practical skills, which led to my first official lock gate being produced in the workshop!
How did you find out about Canal & River Trust?
I grew up spending a lot of time by the water - walking, cycling, fishing, and enjoying family holidays. Whenever I needed to unwind, I was naturally drawn to the water, particularly my local canal, especially during lockdown when outdoor spaces became so precious. In my previous job, I often commuted along the canal and would take walks there during lunch breaks.
I was familiar with the Canal & River Trust and had taken part in wildlife conservation surveys, which is something I’m interested in. I appreciated the Trust’s efforts to connect to the community, and its core values, and I felt that it was the kind of organisation that I’d like to be part of. When I saw the apprenticeship opportunity through an email alert, I was intrigued. Although I came from a cashier/customer service background and hadn’t considered such a role before, it felt like the perfect new challenge I was looking for - something entirely different but with real purpose.
