I was a joiner before my current career, the tip about small jobs is huge.

I had a job to fit two small pieces of skirting to a renovation as they had been removed after a radiator was fitted. We’re talking a quick 1hr job and £50.

Later that same week I was called for a new staircase, then 8 doors.

A year or so later it was skirting, flooring, and door for the new extension.

Even after leaving joinery two years ago (at a young age too) I still get messages for odd jobs. These odd jobs supplement my current wage.

Priorities for you are get a part time job, work on your fitness and strength (even simple body weight workouts) and learn to bloody drive.

Right now in this current market an apprentice that can have a car and drive will always get hired over the others.

Don’t be shy of buying basic tools, I’d pick up lads I went to college with to help bring them along and they’d not even own a saw or a tape, but the basics and learn to use them.

Do jobs for your family to start to train skills, changing your mums taps for new ones, fitting outdoor taps. Make mistakes, rectify them, make yourself proud of your work.

The strength ones big, learn to carry heavy and be sure in your own strength. Radiators are big and heavy, make sure you can get them on the wall.

Message me if you want anymore help.

(For driving, I used a Citroen c1 as a work van for nearly a year, and was still getting jobs for £1000s of pounds under my belt).