Accrington apprentice conquers adversity to become award-winning employee

After overcoming hardship, star employee, John Jacobs epitomises the value of an apprenticeship in 2023.

Before joining the Painting and Decorating apprenticeship at Accrington and Rossendale College, part of the Nelson and Colne College Group (NCCG), John had overcome some major setbacks and hardships in his life.

Aged only 19, John suffered from a burst brain aneurysm, in which he was lucky to survive.

After a lengthy recovery period in and out of hospitals, John found himself jobless and without qualifications, however, after having an epiphany during the reflective period of lockdown, John applied for an NCCG apprenticeship.

Aged 28, with three small children to care for, John believed he had left it too late to enrol in an apprenticeship programme. Despite his reservations, he took the leap and enrolled, a decision which he would later applaud.

“I was aware that at 28 and with three children to support that I might struggle on an apprentice wage, but Onward Homes offers a Real Living Wage which certainly helps and has enabled me to complete my apprenticeship without worrying about money.”

John is benefiting from his efforts after settling into the apprenticeship's learning and working components. He received the Apprentice of the Year alongside Construction Student of the Year back at NCCG’s Apprenticeship Awards in June.

Clive Mitchell, operations manager at Onward Repairs, said; “We are all so pleased that John has received this recognition. His confidence grows every week and he’s developing his skills and knowledge level at a phenomenal pace.

“He’s a model apprentice, and his extraordinary journey of strength, courage, and commitment to his learning has inspired us all”.

NCCG’s apprenticeship programmes are built alongside local employers to ensure that they are filling the most relevant and up-to-date skill gaps within modern industry.

If you are keen to recruit ambitious talent with the most relevant skills and knowledge to your industry, then don’t hesitate to get in touch and see what apprentices can do for you.

[email protected]

01282 440 200