Stacey Sowden has already led an inspiring life, playing international football plus a career in management, and is now an apprentice with Bridgwater & Taunton College (BTC) on Europe’s largest construction site – Hinkley Point C (HPC)!
Playing football from the age of six, and at 16 moving from Somerset to St. Albans to attend the Arsenal Football Academy, Stacey had a very successful time as a professional footballer, representing the 1st team in the Women’s Champions League in Russia and selected to play for England at U21 level. After nine successful seasons as all-time top goal scorer with Barnet FC Ladies, Stacey decided it was a good time to ‘hang up her boots’ to become a mum.
She achieved a Level 3 NVQ in Management and used those skills to progress her career to become a manager in the Warehouse industry, but after seven years wanted another new challenge.
Having been recommended to try an Apprenticeship by somebody currently working at HPC, and wanting to work in a physical environment with a challenge, Stacey applied for the Level 2 NVQ and Diploma Apprenticeship in Steel Fixing with Bridgwater & Taunton College.
Employed by Bylor working at HPC and also learning at the College’s Construction Skills and Innovation Centre in Cannington, Somerset, with its dedicated Steel Fixing Arena, Stacey is getting the best of both worlds to enable her to succeed in her chosen career as a highly skilled Steel Fixer.
Stacy tells us:
I wish to succeed as best as I possibly can in gaining my NVQ and the experience of steel fixing and the construction industry. The course is delivered and instructed by two very experienced Steel Fixers with vast knowledge of the industry. With them sharing their knowledge and supporting my learning I am confident I am on the right path to achieving my overall goal. There is a real sense of ‘togetherness’; everyone wants to see each other do well. The best part of the course so far? Finishing the construction of our first beam after only a few days of ‘learning’.
I would recommend the college to anyone who was looking to do an Apprenticeship in the construction industry. There is so much on offer here, backed by major businesses in the field, and courses you cannot do anywhere else.
For more information about Apprenticeships, contact our Information & Guidance team on 01278 441234, info@btc.ac.uk
