Olympic Park apprentice: ‘I didn’t dream I’d get a permanent job’
LLDC Apprentice Award winner Lee Young at work in the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park. - Credit: Archant
The achievements of apprentices working at Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park are set to be celebrated in a ceremony.
LLDC Apprentice Award winner Lee Young at work in the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park. - Credit: Archant
The East Works Awards, taking place on Thursday, November 1, highlights the efforts and endeavours of those working in a whole range of positions at the park.
For Lee Young, who was nominated for an award two years running, his job on the park came about after a two week work placement.
“I was hopeful when I started the placement that I’d make a good impression, but I didn’t dream I’d get a permanent job. I was so happy,” the 24-year-old said.
“After my two weeks work experience, my manager said there was a job waiting for me and told me to keep my uniform.”
LLDC Apprentice Award winner Lee Young at work in the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park. - Credit: Archant
You may also want to watch:
Since starting off as an apprentice aged 19, Lee, from Canning Town, has worked his way up and is now a grounds maintenance operative.
He had struggled to get a job in horticulture despite studying the subject in college, as other employers wanted lots of qualificiations and a driving licence.
Most Read
- 1 Town hall chiefs back £3m purchase of Plaistow property for rough sleeper centre
- 2 Anonymous tip off could hold key to murder of Sami Sidhom three years later
- 3 Newham to start weekly recycling collections
- 4 Housing campaigners to stage protest in Canning Town over empty homes
- 5 Body found in search for missing Newham man
- 6 Police officer jailed for GBH after injuring man in Forest Gate
- 7 Silvertown, North Woolwich heritage project offers opportunity to history buff
- 8 Tributes to 'hero' charity founder who dedicated life to Newham children
- 9 Stratford was busiest station on TfL network last year, data reveals
- 10 Jailed: Newham men who raped and robbed women in Hackney home
“But it wasn’t an issue here- they were more focused on me and my enthusiasm,” Lee added.
“Everyday I report in and we get assigned different roles, depending on what needs doing in the park and on the weather- turfing, looking after the beautiful plants - we were even gritting the park when we had the Beast from the East!”
LLDC Apprentice Award winner Lee Young at work in the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park. - Credit: Archant
He explained that his favourite part of the park was the north, saying: “It’s quiet and peaceful with lots of trees. My favourite trees are oak trees - there are lots in the north of the park.”
And as for his favourite job? “Anything that’s not weeding!”
Lee also encouraged anyone considering an apprenticeship to “just go for it”.
He added: “Don’t let anyone try and stop you- the world’s your oyster!”
The Newham Recorder will be attending this year’s East Works Awards. For full coverage of the ceremony, pick up the November 7 edition of the paper or visit newhamrecorder.co.uk
