We’ve been following the journey of apprentice carpenter Laura Humphreys and we sat down with her and Neil Addyman of Deanhouse Group to see what progress Laura has made since we last spoke.
If you missed it, you can find part one here, and part two here.
It’s been some time since we checked in with you (October 2024). What have you been getting up to?
I have been continuing with my Level 3 qualification. I’ve been working at a ‘top flight football club’ – I can’t say who though, as there’s a Non-Disclosure Agreement in place. I’m installing a cover to go around some metal framing, some refurbishment of the hospitality suites too.
Any new challenges to overcome?
I am working more on my own now. If there’s a problem, I have to try and work it out myself. I like this responsibility, along with being responsible for resolving issues on site. I have recently been working on re-doing all the cladding at the training ground of the ‘top flight club’. We need to make sure it looked smart, but also safe for players to potentially make contact with.
What’s been your best experience since last year?
Outside of work, I did a charity boxing match! Deanhouse Group sponsored me and I won by knockout. I’ve raised £360 for the Charity Mind. We had a target of £300, so I was delighted we could beat the target. I’m hanging up my gloves for now, but would consider doing it again. The training was hard and long!
How’s your course going?
College is going well. I should be completing before January 2026. I’ve completed a staircase as part of the assessment processes. I’ve also included 14m of linear seating in my portfolio (image included). This was part of the hospitality at the football club.
What stands out about your Level 3 course so far?
I’ve learned a lot more than I did at Level 2. You do the same things, but differently. For example, the staircase I had to make at Level 2 was straight. Level 3 is a kite winder staircase. The task has more complexity and depth. There are greater expectations on learners. Accuracy is key – I find myself triple checking to make sure it’s right. Measuring and check, check, check again.
What advice would you give to yourself a year ago? You seem much more confident today.
Just to keep going. It’s not easy being the only girl, but everyone at the Deanhouse Group has made me feel welcome. In the last year I switched jobs, so was quite nervous joining the business, but I’m glad I did it. Maybe the boxing has helped!
We will check in with Laura again once she’s completed her course. If anyone would like to help Laura raise more funding for Mind, the link to the Just Giving page is here: Laura Marie is fundraising for Mind.
