We’ve been in this business for an incredibly long time, in fact Able Skills has been providing construction training since 2002, and we’re still going as strong as ever as we help shape the next generation of tradespeople. Making it all possible is our team of incredibly talented tutors, whose experience and knowledge of their individual industries is second-to-none.
These are the people who ensure anyone that enrols in an Able Skills course will always receive the highest level of training and support, whatever they’re hoping to achieve when they finish.
In our Meet the Team series, we find out a little more about our instructors, delving into their backgrounds and calling on them to share a few snippets of their in-depth wisdom.
Next up is Paul Spencer, our resident carpentry and joinery expert who boasts close to four decades’ worth of experience in the industry.
Could you give us a little insight into your own background?
“I started in the industry in 1984, working for a company that primarily carried out prestigious high-end office and bank fit-outs and refurbishments in London. The work entailed all aspects of joinery, first and second fix carpentry and structural work, along with other trade works like decorating, tiling, ceiling fixing, carpet laying and electrical work. I worked for this company for 12 years, becoming a general foreperson and being responsible for all trades on site.
“After working in that role for six years, I decided to gain my carpentry qualifications and enrolled in a day release programme. I gained my C&G Craft qualification, followed by my C&G Advanced Craft in Purpose Made Joinery and qualifications from the Institute of Carpenters.
“I then worked for a company for nine years that mainly specialised in exhibition design, build and installation, along with bespoke furniture production and office refurbishment. The exhibition work was international and had me working all over Europe, Asia and the USA.
“In 2005, I entered education to teach all levels of carpentry and joinery, and later on, key skills and maintenance operations to apprentices. I worked for this provider for ten years, becoming Head of Department and gaining my management, teaching, assessing and verifying qualifications. I also achieved my QTLS (Qualified Teacher Learning and Skills) status, which recognises me as equivalent to a QTS teacher.
“After that, I took a position at a large FE college in Essex, as Deputy Head of Engineering and Construction, though I realised it wasn’t for me as primarily it was about meeting expectations to ensure funding revenue could be increased rather than developing students.
“I made the decision to leave FE, where the red tape, box-ticking and multifaceted management structure meant nothing could be addressed or improved quickly and joined Able Skills in 2017. This has allowed me to concentrate on developing students’ skills, putting them in a position to enter the industry with abilities that make them immediately competitive.
“Throughout my career, I have carried out many domestic jobs privately. I have also been a finalist for Screwfix's Tradesperson of The Year on two occasions.”
Why did you want to become an Able Skills tutor?
“To allow me to concentrate on developing and testing the ability of students and not ticking boxes to satisfy outside bodies.”
What is the most rewarding part of your job?
“When you see that lightbulb moment in a student that has just realised that they understand something and can put it into practice to produce quality work.”
What sets Able Skills apart from other training providers?
“The students that achieve their qualifications have done so through their skill and ability, and not just because they have paid for them.”
What are the most important things to factor in when teaching a trade course?
“Making sure that students understand that quality and accuracy of work are most important, and that speed will develop with time. Students also need to build the ability to problem-solve using all of the skills that they have developed.”
What steps are taken to ensure participants are prepared for employment upon completion of more advanced courses?
“Students working on advanced courses have to develop a more autonomous ability in completing tasks and theory work, as employment at that level could assume a more responsible role and potentially be in charge of others.”
If you could offer your students three key pieces of advice, what would they be?
“Be punctual. Produce quality work. Make sure that you are tidy.”
Want to learn more about the Able Skills team? Take a look through the rest of our Meet the Team series.
Our facilities
Alongside our fantastic team, we also boast nine state-of-the-art facilities that allow us to deliver the highest calibre of training. We’re also able to offer affordable accommodation to students who may need it while training with us.
Our carpentry and joinery courses
All of our carpentry courses are taught by master craftsmen like Paul and cater to all levels of experience. Whether you’re trying your hand at the trade for the very first time, or are looking to complete your NVQ Level 2, we’d love to welcome you on board.
Not sure which course is right for you? Our team can point you in the right direction. Give us a call on 01322 280 202, request a brochure or pop into our training centre for a chat.