As we celebrate National Apprenticeship Week 2023, we'd like to invite you to find out a little more about our apprentice, Luke Harle.
What is your role at Metro?
I'm a trainee demolition machine operator. I started at Metro in December 2021 and jumped straight into my apprenticeship with NDTG, so I've been at Metro for just over a year.
What made you decide to start your career in demolition? What attracted you to it?
My Grandad started Metro many years ago and now my uncle runs the business, so it's been in the family all of my life. I have grown up around demolition and always wanted to be part of it.
What were you doing before entering the Demolition Industry?
After school I started my basic Army training until I got an injury so couldn't carry on with it.
What apprenticeship scheme are you currently working through?
I'm a year into the NDTG Trailblazer apprenticeship, so if all goes well, I will have completed it by the end of this year.
I'm also doing an in-house machine operator apprenticeship, working alongside Metro's experienced operators, learning how demolition is done.
What project are you currently working on at Metro? And what does your job involve?
I'm working at Finamoore Wood dealing with Demolition of single-storey structures, removing slabs and foundations and crushing. Everyday is different but I have been getting involved in the demolition of the building and material processing.
What does a day in the life at Metro look like for you?
Following morning briefings, where we plan our days work, we get to work. I like that every day is different, and has it's own challenges, but at Metro I like how the team work together to get the job done.
What other training do you undertake as part of your role?
Metro have put me through my CSCS, 20tonne machine ticket, asbestos awareness training and CAT B training. I also do safety training as part of my apprenticeship.
My training is a plan that I have agreed with Metro to experience and learn in as many aspects of demolition as I can.
What has been your proudest/most memorable moment or greatest achievement so far?
Getting my machine ticket and demolishing my first building.
What would you say to someone interested in starting a career in demolition?
It's challenging and long days, but it's very good working in a team and seeing the results of the work done.
