We love shouting about the incredible work and careers our students go on to build for themselves once they’ve completed their training with Able Skills.
Even though we’ve been welcoming the next generations of tradespeople through our doors for almost 20 years now, catching up with our graduates and hearing about the journey they’ve been on never fails to remind us of exactly why we love doing this job so much.
In the latest instalment of our Student Success Stories series, we touched base with Sarah.
Sarah completed a six-week handyperson course with Able Skills, and has since gone on to launch her own successful business.
Why did you choose the handyperson industry?
Sarah was attracted to the profession largely due to the variety of the day-to-day tasks, and definitely hasn’t been disappointed in that regard since she started working within the industry.
“My typical day varies hugely, I’m often painting, decorating, fixing things or meeting new customers!
“I love how different each day is, being active in my work and I really enjoy meeting customers. It’s a great feeling when I see how happy my customers are at the end of each job.”
How did you find your training?
“My training gave me a whole new skill set as well as developing my confidence in any skills I did already have.
When discussing what her first steps were upon completing the course, Sarah told us: “Starting to advertise, meeting customers and quoting jobs! I wouldn’t have done anything differently, my training put me in a great position to start my business.”
What advice would you give to someone just starting out in the industry?
Finally, we asked Sarah if there was anything that had surprised her since she started working as a handyperson, and to share three key pieces of advice she’d give to others just starting out.
“Something that has definitely surprised me is how complementary customers are. I've received so much feedback about being a female trader in a mainly male-dominated industry which has been really encouraging.”
And in terms of her own advice, Sarah said: “Train with Able Skills! Advertise on Facebook—it’s been brilliant for me and is where the majority of my customers find me. Finally, just enjoy the journey, there’s always more to learn and you’re constantly developing and discovering new tips and tricks as you go.”
You can keep up to date with Sarah’s business, Happy Home Handywoman, over on Facebook.
Want to hear more stories like Sarah’s? Read more of our Student Success Stories.
If you’re interested in becoming a handyperson, our City & Guilds course combines a range of industry introduction courses that cover the most common skills required in the profession.
Participants will cover tiling, carpentry, plumbing, bricklaying, plastering and painting & decorating. Each hands-on section is taught and designed by experts from each field, meaning you’re in the best possible hands as you develop a working base knowledge of each skill.
Interested in starting your training? Our team would be happy to help in any way we can. Give us a call on 01322 280 202, request a brochure or pop into our training centre for a chat.