Skilled Carpenter, Daryl Ansell, spent years perfecting his craft on construction sites around Kent and London before moving into the education sector.
We caught up with him to learn more about his journey so far. We learnt what he gets up to as a Skills Practitioner and his favourite thing about working with Construction students.
Can you tell us a little bit about your background?
I grew up in the family business, working with machines from a very young age, helping to service them and machine wood up into usable timber. I always enjoyed carpentry, so it was only natural to follow in my family’s footsteps and make a career out of it.
I’ve been a qualified carpenter for 45 years. Having worked on projects for many big-name businesses, when I grew older I needed to find a job that was less taxing. Most of my jobs meant commuting to London regularly (as that was where all the big builds were at the time) and I couldn’t continue doing that forever.
Working at the College meant I got the best of both worlds – I could slow down and form a better routine but still be in the workshop, doing what I enjoy most.
Over the years I’ve also gained some teaching experience and become an A1 Assessor (up to NVQ 2). I have helped to teach many groups over the years and really enjoy stepping in where needed to help guide our young people with best practices.
What is your favourite thing about working with young people?
Seeing students’ progress and end up working in the industry. I’ll often bump into old students who are now successful, some have even started their own construction businesses, and they always talk fondly of their time at College and say thank you for everything we did for them.
It’s great to see some of them (who have their own companies) are now taking on our current students for placements. It’s great to see the cycle and how it can be positive for so many. Success stories like that really makes all of our hard work worthwhile.
What do you do as a ‘Skills Practitioner’?
I am there to help ensure the workshops are kept in a good condition, and fully prepped and ready for students to learn. This can include general machine and tool maintenance and upkeep, cleaning the workshops, preparing and cutting wood ready for lessons.
I have to be pro-active and think ahead to ensure the workshops are set up appropriately so that staff and students have the equipment they need – they all rely on me.
What is the most important thing to remember as a ‘Skills Practitioner’?
I’m a vital part of a larger team, so I need to be able to listen and communicate well. You’re one cog in a bigger picture, so it’s best to be able to work collaboratively with others, and be able to listen to and give advice.
My years of industry experience means I can often provide ideas and suggestions to other staff and students to enhance their work.
Do you have any career highlights from your time at EKC Broadstairs College?
I won ‘East Kent Teacher of the Year’ in 2020. Unfortunately, we were in lockdown so there was no award ceremony in London. I’ve always been very humble and just try to do the best that I can, so it was lovely to get that recognition.
I vividly remember the judges visiting the campus and talking to the students I was teaching at the time. Hearing all of their compliments was a humbling experience.
Learn more about our Construction and Built Environment courses today.
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