Luke’s journey from college learner to skilled apprentice has been remarkable, and his achievements continue to grow. After flourishing during a long term work-related learning placement with Mitie, at Tunbridge Wells Hospital, Luke moved into a paid Facilities Apprenticeship through the Mitie Foundation and left The Oaks to begin his new role.
Since then, Luke has taken another major step forward in his professional development. He has now successfully achieved his Level 2 City & Guilds qualification as a Property Maintenance Operative, earning a Distinction in the theory element of the course. His final stage involved completing a rigorous two day End Point Assessment at The Building Block training centre in Worcester. Travelling to a new location, working under exam conditions, and tackling a wide range of practical tasks demonstrated the confidence, resilience, and professionalism he has developed since his time at The Oaks.
Luke’s course covered four key trade areas—tiling, plastering, carpentry, and plumbing—alongside written and verbal assessments focused on health and safety and good working practices. The exam required him to apply these skills in sequence, demonstrating problem solving, accuracy and safe tool use in a controlled workshop environment.
These achievements build on the strong foundation he developed during his placement at Tunbridge Wells Hospital. In the Fabrics department, Luke gained hands on experience maintaining a large and complex site. Supported by a workplace mentor and the college’s Job Coaches, he learned how to carry out routine tasks, understand maintenance systems, and take pride in delivering high quality work. The use of accessible training videos captured by his Job Coach helped Luke to consolidate new skills and return to them whenever he needed a refresher.
Luke’s progression from learner, to apprentice, to fully qualified Property Maintenance Operative is testament to his determination, and how he has embraced practical learning. The experience has been life changing for him, and he continues to bring these new skills, and a growing professional identity, to every project he takes on in his role at Mitie.