Case Studies
Kaiden Grayson
Published: 11th June 2025
From his first day in the workshop to signing off his last assessment, Kaiden has turned his passion for practical work into a successful career. Having completed his Level 2 Site Carpentry & Joinery Apprenticeship with Apprenticeships+ at The Sheffield College in 2025, he’s already making a name for himself as a multi-skilled joiner at Guinness Property.
We recently caught up with Kaiden to chat about his Apprenticeship experience — and how his hard work throughout the programme helped shape his dream career.
Kaiden had several reasons for choosing an Apprenticeship. He explained:
“I wanted to gain more knowledge of the carpentry and joinery trade. I also liked that it was work-based learning, and there’s a reduced amount of classroom work, which can be challenging at times.”
He knew early on that learning on the job would fast-track his development far more effectively than a purely classroom-based route. By blending theory with hands-on experience, he’s built a toolkit of transferable skills that employers genuinely value.
Kaiden also shared some of the key skills he developed during his Apprenticeship:
“I improved my teamwork and communication skills, as I’m always working in a team to get jobs completed to a high standard. I’ve also gained confidence with using hand and power tools — and that’s a big part of my job role.”
Whether it’s negotiating project timelines with site managers or coordinating tasks with fellow trades, Kaiden’s sharpened people skills have proven every bit as valuable as his technical know-how. Confidence with specialist tools now comes as second nature — an essential asset when you’re fitting bespoke timber frames or tackling intricate on-site repairs.
Russel Dean, Lecturer in Timber Trades, helped Kaiden throughout his course. Kaiden said:
“All the tutors and staff were extremely professional and invested in helping me pass my exams with next to no worries. In particular, Russel Dean was very helpful and encouraging, which made my course smooth sailing.”
It’s clear that Russel’s guidance helped Kaiden navigate the tougher modules and step up to higher-level tasks with confidence.
Kaiden also gained hands-on experience using a wide range of tools and machinery. He explained:
“The College has a wide range of power tools and machinery, which helped me learn how to use them safely. That gave me the skills and experience to use power tools on site in a safe manner.”
Working in industry-standard workshops meant Kaiden could practice with the same equipment he’d later encounter on live projects, bridging the gap between learning and doing from day one.
Looking ahead, Kaiden is excited about where his career is going:
“My job role now is a multi-skilled joiner at Guinness Property. It’s a great role because I’m learning a wide range of skills and building my knowledge of other trades.”
Site carpentry is rarely one-dimensional, and Kaiden’s exposure to plumbing, plastering, and general maintenance is turning him into an all-round problem-solver, exactly what today’s property sector needs.
Finally, Kaiden highlighted how his qualifications have helped him work more safely:
“My time at The Sheffield College allowed me to complete my qualifications with a solid foundation of knowledge. I also learned regulations and health-and-safety protocols that ensure I work safely and sustainably.”
Ready to follow in Kaiden’s footsteps?
Click here to discover our Construction and Building Trades Apprenticeships and start shaping your own path in an industry you love.
Related Sector
The demand for skilled construction workers is constantly on the rise. Just look at Sheffield alone – everywhere you look something is being built.