From all the team at Buxton and Leek college, we would like to say a massive congratulations to Jordan who has completed his Level 3 advanced in carpentry and joinery. His commitment and determination have resulted in him becoming a major asset within the workshop and theming team at the Alton Towers Resort.
Jordan has explained his consistent progression and experiences both within Merlin entertainments and at Buxton and Leek college.
Firstly, I would like to thank Buxton and Leek College for the help and support they have effortlessly given to myself over the years. During my previous time at school, similarly to what other people may find, there were not often enough life lessons with important areas such as careers, finance, bills etc. This is where a lot of things changed for me and as soon as I left school reality struck, and I needed to find my career path.
After enquiring about a course at Buxton and Leek college, I found myself interested in Joinery. Looking back, I am very glad that I took this opportunity. The first year I spent studying as a full-time student with a part time job, this allowed me to pay for things such as driving, which I felt could really help open more opportunities up in the future.
After becoming more interested and fascinated with Joinery, I felt it was time to look for an apprenticeship. I quickly found a company to invest in me, Merlin entertainments. Merlin entertainments are a company who own many incredible resorts and attractions across the world including Alton Towers, Lego Land and Sea life centres. From this as you can imagine, the work that takes place is very intriguing and diverse. Merlin can also be known as Merlin Magic Making, the magic is very much real. With my time at Merlin I have worked on many projects such as the Wicker Man, the Dungeons and Bear Grylls.
You may think that Joinery is just knocking a few bits of wood together, but it is so much more. The skills and knowledge I have acquired to make products to a high standard is remarkable and the development is continuously ongoing. For example, for me to have the ability to work on theme park rides and sea life attractions across the country is still very much a luxury and I am grateful to have the opportunity to do so every day. I also take part in Merlin’s Magic Wand charity organisation once a year within this I have created fun colourful cabinets and other beneficial products to help ill children. To me, being a part of something that benefits and can help to support sick children is an absolute honour. During my apprenticeship, Merlin have put me through many different courses to further enhance my skills and knowledge which has been a great additional benefit to my career. With Merlin being a worldwide corporation, there are possibilities of working abroad which I feel could be another next step and major benefit to the job for me.
I have been at Buxton and Leek college now for around 5 years, getting all the qualifications needed. (It can’t be that bad if I have been there that long!) I have met many great people during my time there, mainly the tutors who have all been brilliant. They have helped in every way possible and have got me to where I am today. They gave me the confidence I needed to believe in myself and thrive to move forward to find a suitable career path. With the help of my tutors and Merlin myself confidence has grown massively and has given me courage that I have never had before. Joinery can also be a pathway to many other careers within construction. For example, Merlin are now looking at putting me through health and safety courses which could possibly lead to another career route in the future.
Finally a massive thank you to Buxton and Leek College and MMM Alton for the continuous life lessons, support and for providing me with a career path that I thoroughly enjoy.
