Re-training for new career after early retirement

After a working life spent in the printing and packaging industry, Gordon Kearns decided to take early retirement. Not wanting to stop working altogether, he looked for other employment options in an entirely new field.

Gordon says: “I was born and raised in Leicester, and have spent my entire life here. I was fortunate enough to take early retirement and this gave me the chance to look at trying something new and to be out of my comfort zone. I have always been inquisitive about, and interested in construction and DIY.”

Grateful for second career opportunity

“I was given a chance to work in the estates team at Glenfield Hospital as a maintenance assistant. When I was there, I spoke to my manager about training to help me with my role. I fancied trying plastering, carpentry and learning how to solder copper pipes,” continues Gordon.

“My manager suggested the building maintenance apprenticeship at Leicester College. I was so grateful for this opportunity as at the time, I was 57. I’m so pleased that the NHS were prepared to invest in me, even though my background was nothing like this.”

Course provides new insights

Gordon states: “My tutor at the College, Tia Whelan (herself, an award-winning former Leicester College apprentice) has been really supportive, especially with the course work and what was required. Tia really helped me with the practical work, too.

“The course has exceeded what I expected as it gave me new insights into how to carry out some of the processes safely, such as basic electrical and plumbing. I have enjoyed every aspect of the course.”

‘Age is no barrier’ to re-training

“During this course, I had the opportunity to progress in my role with the NHS. I moved from being a maintenance assistant to the role of buildings and grounds supervisor.

 “I believe that the knowledge I gained through the course at Leicester College gave me confidence in my job role to complete some real challenges. It also allowed me to work towards gaining promotion with the NHS.

“I believe age is no barrier to trying something totally different,” concludes Gordon.