When Adam Parkins’ professional career in rugby began, he made a tricky transition - he went to learn to be a welder.
“At school I considered apprenticeship options, but at 16 I was offered a place at the Leicester Tigers training academy,” says Adam, now 32, from Liebrooks, Derbyshire. “The world was my oyster.”
Adam was then signed by Northampton Saints as a tough defensive midfielder, making his senior professional debut on loan at Derby Rugby Club.
“My whole family came to my first home game to watch me go out in front of 15,000 people, including my oldest son, who was then three years old. Playing professional sports was such a thrill.”
In 2017, Adam began to think about life off the field.
“I had a few injuries and I was 27, I had a mortgage and kids,” says Adam, now a father of four. “I thought, ‘Maybe it’s time to retrain.’
Adam went to a job fair where he visited the booth of JCB, one of the largest employers in the Midlands, which offers a wide range of apprenticeships including design, manufacturing and business.
“They don’t look at age, only the skills you bring. Happy Days!”
Adam Parkins
“I thought apprenticeships were for high school graduates,” he says. “But they told me they don’t look at age, they only look at what skills you have. Happy Days! From an athlete, I have evolved into a dedicated team player with excellent hand-eye coordination, as well as a habit of evaluating my performance and improving it.”
Therefore, Adam applied for a Level 2 GCSE equivalent training in manufacturing and welding funded by the government and JCB.
Apprenticeship is just one of the many ways the government is helping people acquire skills for life, no matter where you are. An internship can last anywhere from one to six years – during which time you receive proper wages and employee benefits such as vacation pay and participation in workplace pension plans, as well as free training.
“I was excited to learn something new that would be the backbone of my career for years to come,” says Adam. “The training was outstanding - one day in the workshop and four days at the academy, where I practiced practical skills. I wasn’t even the oldest student—the age range was huge.”
Adam completed his training with honors and is now a qualified welder. And he loves his job.
“Working with such an iconic brand is a lot of fun. When I see a JCB with my wife Daniella and kids, I will tell them what model it is. The kids are doing it too now: “Look, daddy, JCB!” I’m very proud to know that I got to work on this car.”
And the government is offering even more opportunities for adults to gain technical skills with the launch of new specialized higher technical qualifications (HTCs). Courses designed in conjunction with industry experts to equip students with the skills and knowledge employers need to earn a Level 4 or 5 qualification.
The first HTQs, launched later this year, will be digital, with courses in construction, health and science coming in 2023.
The National Career Service provides free personalized advice and guidance to anyone in England on everything from reviewing your skills and writing a resume to finding the right study opportunities in your area.
For more information on these and other courses available, visit the website gov.uk/skillsforlife