Studying at Hersden – John Graterol, Bricklaying and Plastering

John is one of our many learners who is gaining new skills in the trades, at our EKC Civil Engineering Training Centre.  

We spoke to him after he finished our Plastering course, and he’s now back on-site at the centre ready to gain new Bricklaying skills. 

Learn more about his story below, and hear why he’s enjoying this new opportunity. 

How are you finding the courses at the EKC Civil Engineering Training Centre? 

“It’s going great. It’s good to learn something new and learn something that’s going to be worthwhile in the long run. 

“I’ve just done the Level 2 Plastering course and that was very interesting to learn. It’s surprising how much you can learn in the space of eight weeks. 

“Pretty much every day on these courses you’re learning something new. 

“I’ve just started the Level 2 Bricklaying, which I’m enjoying at the moment.”

Why did you decide to study both Bricklaying and Plastering? 

“I’m doing both courses, because I want to get a qualification at the end of it, which will enable me to start working on building sites, and to be ready for the summer when most of the work takes place. 

“I wanted to have the best of both trades. For example, when the weather isn’t so good, I can now do Plastering indoors. 

“If there’s no opportunities for bricklaying, it opens up my options further along the line in the other trade and vice versa. 

“My motivation is just to better myself and better my life in general.” 

What’s your background? 

“Before these courses, I’ve been working on temporary contracts for about five years. 

“I’ve been doing all sorts such as labouring, cleaning, care work and working in hospitals, but now I want to learn a particular skillset, in addition to securing work for myself and getting a qualification. 

“I started now because you’re never too old to learn something new and it’s better now than never.” 

How did you find out about these courses? 

“I went along to a job fair and I found EKC Training there. I’ve been wanting to do a course like this for a couple of years now but I didn’t know how to go about it. 

“So when I found EKC Training and they said that they offer these courses, I took them up on the opportunity straight away.” 

How did you find the experience of returning to learning? 

“For me, at first, like with anything, it is hard to learn the first couple of days. However, it’s all about repetition and you get used to it eventually. 

“You do have eight weeks to learn, so there’s a natural learning curve. 

“It’s a lot to learn, but you know it’s worthwhile.” 

What do you think of your fellow students and the staff? 

“I’m currently studying alongside a man called David, and for a gentleman of his age to be doing this is good to see. I’ve learnt a lot from him on this course so far. 

“The staff, especially the Lecturers, are extremely helpful. 

“Best of all, they’re patient and they explain things in very thorough detail, and this helps me a lot. I like to be told more than once how to do something.” 

If you’re looking to gain new skills like John, whether that be for future work or advanced studies, EKC Training is a great place to start.  

Our Training Centres across East Kent will give you specialist training so that you’re ready for your next steps.  

Explore our Training Centres today.