I started in housing as an electrical apprentice, before this I was working in IT sales, but I didn’t enjoy it, but I also didn’t really know what I wanted to do.  

I had more or less been expected to go to university – my father had got a doctorate and built a successful business through this route. However, although I was doing well and getting good grades in class at school, I couldn’t do exams.  

After quitting my job and going traveling for about six weeks, I did my level 2 electrics course in Port Talbot before applying through Cyfle to become an apprentice with Coastal.  

I have now been working with Coastal as a qualified electrical operative for three years. 

We do all electrical work on our properties including reactive repairs and replacing void equipment.  

My apprenticeship helped me grow and build my confidence, I was in my early 20s when I did it and that was the right time for do it.  

I enjoy being out and about and working at different locations and working with my hands.  

The team at Coastal really trusts you to get the job done and to make decisions, of course you can call someone for support, but they trust my judgment when on a job of what needs doing. I like the responsibility they give me and I would say to anyone considering a career in housing to just go for it. 

Adam is an Electical Operative at Coastal Housing