Rhys Patterson and Paul Hastings
WDL are based in Newcastle upon Tyne and provide a comprehensive building and property maintenance service throughout the North East. Over the past 40 years they have gained a wealth of commercial experience and launched numerous people into successful careers within the construction sector.
Here, Northern Insight spoke to two of their new recruits about their journey so far…
Did you always envisage a career within the construction industry?
Rhys: No, I never considered becoming a tradesman until completing my A Levels.
Paul: Yes, ever since I was around ten years old.
Tell us about your current role and what do you most enjoy?
Rhys: The fact that my job is constantly hands on and gets me out and about. That is certainly preferable to working in an office.
Paul: My current role is as an apprentice joiner and I most enjoy learning new things on the job and overcoming different problems in different ways.
What are you currently working on?
Rhys: We are currently working on our first fix stud work and boarding.
Paul: At the moment we are working on a complete refurbshment of a local dentist which includes organising dropped ceilings.
Tell us about the team you work with?
Rhys: The team I’m working with are a brilliant bunch of lads who never fail to make a hard days work easy.
Paul: The team are a real pleasure to work with as they are all really professional and I have learned a lot already. We also have a laugh which makes a days work go much quicker.
Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
Rhys: As a fully qualified joiner.
Paul: Producing high quality work as a fully qualified joiner and taking on jobs of my own.
Who are your heroes and mentors?
Rhys: My heroes are my parents who are the reason who I am today. I will always be grateful to them. My mentors are my colleagues Dean and Josh who provide a really pleasant work environment and are really thorough in their demonstrations and explanations.
Paul: My heroes would be my Dad and Auntie and my mentors are my colleagues Dean and Josh.
What is the best advice you have been given in your career so far?
Rhys: Measure twice, check twice and cut once!
Paul: To take my time for higher quality and better accuracy.
How do you unwind outside of work?
Rhys: Usually spending time with my partner or boxing.
Paul: I enjoy spending time with friends and family and getting a lot of sleep.
Favourite book and boxset?
Rhys: Arnold Schwarzenegger’s autobiography was great and I loved Breaking Bad.
Paul: I’m not a big reader so I don’t have a favourite book but my favourite boxset has to be The Simpsons.
www.wdlnortheast.co.uk
‘It has has been a pleasure over the last 46 years to bring so many apprentices in to the industry and it is great news that the government is finally putting the funds in place to back an increase in the apprenticeship initiative.
It is great to see young lads who are keen to learn. I would point out that the last two both got distinctions…so, no pressure lads!! ‘
Brian Dickinson, Chairman, Brookvale Group Ltd
