An apprenticeship opens the door to a completely new career path for James.
After completing his degree, James trained as a paramedic for three years and spent five years on the frontline. However, he was seeking more of a work-life balance and career he could enjoy long-term.
Reflecting on his experience, 29 -year-old James said the support he received made a huge difference.
James Redman, our Multi- Skilled Trade Improver, said: “I’ve always enjoyed DIY, carpentry and woodwork. Over time, I wasn't really enjoying work anymore and with a long career ahead of me, I thought I'd rather do something I enjoy.
“I really can't fault the apprentice programme, in terms of the whole process, it was really well set up with a lot of support.
“I had regular meetings, and my line managers would go out their way to make sure I was getting exposure to good experiences, putting in kitchens and bathrooms and moving between teams to gain a broad range of skills across the company.”
Based in North Devon, James started his apprenticeship in 2023 and completed it last year. He attended Exeter College alongside the on-the-job training, and he is now fully qualified.
He acknowledges that becoming a mature apprentice can feel daunting, but the transition has been made easier thanks to the structured support and practical experience.
James said: “Coming from another career, the pace and structure, made retraining possible. It allowed me to learn on the job too.
“It’s a supportive process and the transition to being qualified has been gradual, so you're not just thrown in the deep end. With the improver plan, your level of responsibility increases step by step.
“Being a mature apprentice is more common now, especially in this company. The stereotype is still there, but I didn’t find it to be an issue here.
“Going back to college was a bit of a shock at first but I settled in. It’s actually quite reassuring to be around others who are also retraining, you don’t feel isolated.”
James is honest about the financial commitment involved in changing careers.
He said: “Leaving my previous job, meant a significant pay cut. But to retrain, there has to be some level of sacrifice. With a mortgage and bills, and running a home with my wife, it made it do-able.
“But the minimum apprentice wage for a lot of companies, it wasn't feasible so I’m grateful that this opportunity made it workable.
“Retraining is a commitment, but in any career, if you want to start again, it’s something you've got to accept. I think that’s why it does attract mature apprentices who are looking for that opportunity.”
Now settled into his new career, James is even using his skills to build his own home alongside his wife, who is also a paramedic and understands the pressures of his previous role.
James said: “My wife has seen a change in me, I’m much happier. She’s been supportive from the start, and fully behind me moving to trades.
“I was initially interested in carpentry, but the multi-trade property maintenance route means you get experience across a range of trades. It’s very versatile and has been invaluable while we’re building our house.
“An apprenticeship is an outstanding learning pathway. Having also completed a degree, I would say that a relevant apprenticeship, at any level, can be even more beneficial. You’re earning while you learn and gaining real, hands-on experience. It’s a solid route to consider.”
Find out more about our apprenticeships here.