Leo

Interviewee: Leo

Interviewer: Kevin Harris

Date of recording: 2 August 2022

Recording location: on-line; interviewer in Barnsley and interviewee in Scunthorpe

Length of recording: 48:22

Subjects (key words): Scunthorpe, college, university, money, debt, exams, apprenticeship, Covid, remote working, property ladder, friends

Abstract:

[00:23] Born in a rural village near Scunthorpe, which he considers an average, close knit, pleasant area to grow up. Went to school in this area and considers these the golden years of his life and generally enjoyed school. Memories of mucking about with friends.

[05:04] Completed a Level 3 diploma in Computing Support services at college after completing his GCSEs. Did not get on with revision and exams. Did not want to do ‘A Levels’ or go to university. Wanted to spend as little time in education as possible after high school. Had an interest in computers from childhood and felt this college course was a natural fit.

[13:07} University did not appeal. Wanted to enter the work force as soon as possible avoiding crippling student debt. Wanted to begin his adult life experience and earn money. Considers life and work experience is as valuable as a university experience.

[17:42] First job after college was an apprenticeship. Was lucky to get this apprenticeship with the company as it fit perfectly with his interests and education. His job is designing traffic management and flow systems. Enjoys the work and the team he works with. ow works 40 hours on a permanent following the successful completion of the apprenticeship. Frequently works overtime at weekends motivated by an ability to earn money.

[28:35] Apprenticeship has been the best route for him. However, he is currently contemplating going to university for the experience and career progression.

[34:10] Is proud that he has now achieved financial security.

[40:29] Worked throughout the pandemic despite half the team being furloughed. This increased the workload, creating more overtime opportunities. Worked remotely during lock down but resented being forced back to the office despite continued risk and inadequate Covid mitigations.

[47:00] Is now on the property ladder.

Excerpt

INTERVIEWER: [00:02:30]

How would you describe your school experience, particularly in secondary school?

LEO:

Erm, I mean it was, I don’t know, it wasn’t anything special, it was just kind of school, I mean obviously looking back, it’s a typical you know ‘greatest years of your life’ and whatnot, ’cause, you know, not a care in the world. But yeah, I mean it was, I’d, I’d say it was good. I’d say it was good, I’d say it was good. I don’t really have anything bad to say about it to be honest. It was overall a good experience.

INTERVIEWER:

What would you say you enjoyed most about your schooling?

Most enjoyable was… I’d probably, I’d probably just say the carelessness. Obviously you don’t really realise it fully at the time, it does seem you know, sort of, semi-serious to an extent when you start like finishing your school years, but from Year Seven to like Year Nine, it was just, like, kind of carefree.

[00:03:32]

[…] [00:12:54]

INTERVIEWER:

You mentioned earlier that you didn’t fancy A-Levels and uni. What was it that sort of prompted that decision?

LEO:

I just never… it just never appealed to me, like going off to uni, and then – I don’t know whether, like thinking back on the time, like maybe I was worried about student debt, or anything like that, or being locked into education for a further – I know obviously you can drop out, but I essentially saw it as, if you start it, there’s no point dropping out, you may as well see it through. And yeah, I wasn’t really fussed about uni. I’d rather just get into the world.

[00:13:38]