“It’s never too late” says Leeds apprentice who has reinvented his career in his 30s

AS National Apprenticeship Week gets underway (February 9 – 15) one apprentice in Yorkshire has made a career switch thanks to homebuilder Redrow.

At 37, Chris Canning, a father of two, left a stable job to become an apprentice joiner, proving that it’s never too late to pursue a new career: “I worked in the water industry for years but started thinking that if I could go back what would I do? he said. “And that’s how I decided I wanted to be a joiner.”

Chris joined Redrow’s apprenticeship scheme in September 2025. The year-long course sees him working at the homebuilder’s Wakefield development – The Glade at Woodland Vale – while gaining professional qualifications.

As a trainee, Chris will spend his carpentry apprenticeship working alongside Redrow’s site management team and subcontractors, gaining valuable paid experience on a busy new homes development.

Open to anyone over the age of 16, Redrow’s apprenticeship scheme covers key housebuilding trades, including bricklaying, plumbing, carpentry and groundworks, as well as administration, commercial and technical roles within its offices.

Chris’ time is split between working on site and college-based study undertaken at York College, that will provide Chris with the essential industry qualifications.

“My apprenticeship is split into blocks, so up to this month I’ve been working on site here in Wakefield and then I’ll be at college working on the theory side,” said Chris, who lives in Heckmondwike with his partner and two children.

“I started to save extra money to cover me during the year’s course and found details about Redrow’s scheme on the government website and I applied straight away. The communication from Redrow was fantastic, I was never left not knowing what was going on.

“Every day is different; I go from working on roofs to door carcasses to kitchens. I feel so lucky to be on this course. I’m finally learning about a job I want to work in for the rest of my life.”

Chris and the other apprentices in Yorkshire come under the overall supervision of Gary Woodhouse, project manager at Redrow Yorkshire, who is involved from the initial process and supports them through their training.

Gary, from Rotherham, is a joiner by trade and has been employed by Redrow for 28 years, working as a customer care manager and then a project manager.

He said: “Redrow’s apprenticeship schemes offer an excellent pathway into a career in construction. Combining hands-on experience with guidance from seasoned professionals and provide the opportunity to earn industry-recognised qualifications, all while getting paid to learn.

“Placements are consistently in high demand and have launched countless successful careers. They’re also essential for building and sustaining a skilled workforce for the future.”

For further information about becoming an apprentice with Redrow and other career opportunities visit: www.redrowcareers.co.uk