Chris Clarke, 36, had been a lorry driver for eight years, but after starting a family and wanting to find a better work life balance, now finds himself as an apprentice with Hafren Dyfrdwy in Wrexham.

It wasn’t an easy decision to make for Chris, who admits it was his age that put him off starting an apprenticeship initially: “It was my partner who first mentioned about getting an apprenticeship, but I didn’t even really consider it initially because of my age, I always thought I would be too old to even apply.”

After a lot of consideration, Chris decided to go for it and had seen apprenticeship opportunities at Hafren Dyfrdwy and it looked like the perfect opportunity: “The role itself looked good and I knew it was something I’d enjoy.

“One of my friends works at Hafren Dyfrdwy and they mentioned how much they enjoyed it and how good the company was to work for, so I just went for it.”

Since then, Chris hasn’t really looked back and has found a place where he feels supported: “The company are so invested in their workforce, and the work life balance is something I didn’t have before as a lorry driver you’re working really long hours and don’t really get the chance to enjoy life.

“Now though, I’m spending so much time with my family and am much happier, even my partner has noticed it.”

The happiness, Chris says, is from how much care the company has shown him since he started: “The company are so invested in their workforce and I know they genuinely care about me as a person. Everyone has been so inclusive, and I have never felt once that I have been judged because of my age, we’re all on the same page and want to make our working lives better, and that comes through from everyone I’ve worked with since I started.”

Starting an apprenticeship at 36 is what Chris says makes him feel most proud, as deciding on a career change is quite a big life decision: “I think since I have started my apprenticeship it’s given me the drive and determination to learn new things again, it’s only been five months, so I’m excited to learn new skills and being able to put my college work into practice.”

When asked about the advice he would give to anyone thinking about starting an apprenticeship, Chris says it really feels like a no-brainer: “I don’t think you can go wrong with an apprenticeship, especially at a company like Hafren Dyfrdwy, they’re great for someone looking to start a career or make a career change.

“I thought I was past it, but this apprenticeship has shown that I’m not.”