04 We did it our way
Christopher Taylor
Age: 22
Left academic education: 2002 having completed GCSEs
Defining moments: Both came during two weeks as foreman on my first big job; 24 flats all passed inspection with no problems and I was told I was a finalist in the Manchester Apprentice of the Year awards, which I went on to win.
Current occupation: Painter and decorator, Dave Luck Ltd, Oldham.
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Gary Taylor
"Chris wanted to get into decorating from about the age of 15; his granddad had his own business and he used to work with him from time to time. He took his GCSEs, then signed up to do an apprenticeship in painting and decorating.
He enjoyed all aspects of this really - being ableto learn on the job and getting 'day release' to go to college to study gave him the best of both worlds.
We were more than happy with the choice he made - we thought it was important for Chris to make his own decisions and find a career that interested him.
We're really proud of what Chris has achieved - he was Manchester's Apprentice of the Year last year and he came second in the national awards which is a huge achievement. He's now got a job that he really enjoys and he's doing really well for himself."