Going full circle for a career in carpentry

Tom Barrett experienced a real ‘full circle moment’ when, as a fully-trained carpenter running his own business, he found himself working in the same sports hall at Leicester College where he played football during his time there as a student!

Through his business, TGB Carpentry, Tom has been sub-contracting to BA Construction, working on the construction of a new Electrical Workshop and Test and Inspection Lab at the College’s Freemen’s Park Campus. At the new facility, he’s been building and ply lining stud work bays, building advertisement space fascias, five-metre high stud walls, fitting doors, skirting and architraves, to help refurbish the existing sports hall, which is scheduled to be fully operational by September 2025.

Tom picks his ideal trade

Tom has come a long way since he got kicked off his A Level course for “not trying” and was subsequently sacked from his first job as an office administrator. Presented with an ultimatum by his Mum, Tom was told to ‘pick a trade’ from the Leicester College course guide.

“Studying for a trade is a completely different way of learning,” says Tom. “I wasn’t academic but was a different kind of smart, and preferred working with my hands and problem solving. My Grandad was a carpenter so that was a logical choice.”

Tom joined the Carpentry and Joinery Level 1 course before progressing onto Level 2 and 3.

Receiving positive feedback

“During my first year at Leicester College when I was 17 years old, I got my first-ever positive feedback at a parents evening. My Mum and Stepdad were open mouthed as they couldn't believe that I was doing so well,” continued Tom.

“College was definitely for me and my group; I knew immediately that I’d made the right choice. I still wanted to avoid maths and English as I’d passed the GCSEs, so I got a job labouring for three days each week with Olivetti Construction with College on two days. I was earning money and bettering myself at the same time.

“I worked hard to get that job at the construction company – I was out on my bike, handing CVs out to companies.

“I completed my Level 1 and Olivetti put me through Levels 2 and 3.

“I then decided to make my name somewhere so went self-employed; a mix of working for other people and on my own. As a fully-fledged carpenter, I work with plumbers, plasterers and electricians. You don't have the same work day twice and that’s the part that I really enjoy.

“I have also got my Level 4 SSSTS (site supervisor) qualification as well and whilst working as a site supervisor, I’ve overseen projects worth up to £750,000.”

Don’t be afraid to try new options

Tom continues: “When I was at school, nothing was said about apprenticeships or learning a trade. It can be difficult to know at 16-17 years old what path to follow in life, so my advice is try a few things and see what you enjoy. College gives you a taster of possible careers – it might not be the one but perhaps you’ll find something else.

“I would highly recommend Leicester College to anyone. I’ve made so many friends and have even worked with a few since. Everybody was so accommodating and it’s set me up for a career that I love.”