{"version":"1.0","type":"rich","provider_name":"Acast","provider_url":"https://acast.com","height":250,"width":700,"html":"<iframe src=\"https://embed.acast.com/$/642d2bf81c2e260011ec1fdd/649317e9ec5a6f0011adc9eb?\" frameBorder=\"0\" width=\"700\" height=\"250\"></iframe>","title":"From Desk to Site: The Journey of 2023's Flooring Apprentice of the Year, Mike Waldron\"","thumbnail_width":200,"thumbnail_height":200,"thumbnail_url":"https://open-images.acast.com/shows/642d2bf81c2e260011ec1fdd/show-cover.jpg?height=200","description":"<p>In this episode of The UK Flooring Podcast, we're thrilled to have Mike Waldron, the recipient of the 2023 Flooring Apprentice of the Year award, with us to share his unique journey from a desk job to a construction site.</p><p><br></p><p>1. **Introduction** </p><p>&nbsp;&nbsp;- Introduction of guest: Mike Waldron from Hillside Contracts Ltd, Leicester.</p><p>&nbsp;&nbsp;- Recap of Mike’s notable achievement as the winner of the 2023 Flooring Apprentice of the Year competition by CFA.</p><p><br></p><p>2. **Overcoming Challenges** </p><p>&nbsp;&nbsp;- Mike opens up about his early struggles with school and how he turned his difficulties into motivation for success.</p><p>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><p>3. **From Desk to Site** </p><p>&nbsp;&nbsp;- The life-changing decision: Mike recalls leaving his desk job amidst a challenging lockdown period to venture into the world of construction and flooring.</p><p>&nbsp;&nbsp;- His initial impressions of the industry and how he adapted to this drastic career change.</p><p><br></p><p>4. **Becoming the CFA Apprentice of the Year** </p><p>&nbsp;&nbsp;- Mike shares his experiences and lessons learned during his apprenticeship.</p><p>&nbsp;&nbsp;- Discussion on what it takes to win the CFA Flooring Apprentice of the Year award.</p><p>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><p>5. **The Power of Documentation** </p><p>&nbsp;&nbsp;- The importance of picturing and documenting your work: How it aids in self-improvement, building a professional portfolio, and showcasing talent and progress to clients and industry peers.</p><p><br></p><p>6. **Entering the Industry at 28** </p><p>&nbsp;&nbsp;- Mike talks about entering the flooring industry at a relatively later age.</p><p>&nbsp;&nbsp;- Challenges and advantages he faced, and how his previous experiences influenced his work in the flooring industry.</p><p><br></p><p>7. **Conclusion and Farewell** </p><p>&nbsp;&nbsp;- Mike's advice to others considering a career change into the flooring industry.</p><p><br></p><p><br></p><p>---</p><p><br></p><p>Remember to share, subscribe, and rate us on your preferred podcast platform. Join us next time for more insights from professionals in the UK flooring industry.</p><p><br></p><p>CONTACT METHODS</p><p><br></p><p>To feature on the Podcast drop us an email at&nbsp;<a href=\"mailto:hello@cockerillandco.co.uk\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>hello@cockerillandco.co.uk</strong></a></p><p>Website&nbsp;<a href=\"http://www.theukflooringpodcast.co.uk/\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>www.theukflooringpodcast.co.uk</strong></a></p><p>Instagram&nbsp;@theukflooringpodcast&nbsp;@cockerillandco</p><p>Facebook&nbsp;@cockerillandco</p><p>Linkedin&nbsp;@cockerill-and-co</p><p>To find out more about what we do visit&nbsp;<a href=\"http://www.cockerillandco.co.uk/\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>www.cockerillandco.co.uk</strong></a></p><p><br></p>","author_name":"Cockerillandco"}