Multi-generational success through BCoT

A retired grandfather has paid tribute to the apprenticeship that launched a successful career spanning more than 50 years in the building industry.

In 1965, Gerald Eagle left school without any qualifications and didn’t know what to do next.

He saw an opportunity at Basingstoke College of Technology, which was then called Basingstoke Technical College, for a pre-apprentice building course.

It was made up of a third carpentry and joinery, a third plumbing and a third bricklaying and completing it would guarantee entry to an apprenticeship with a local company.

Gerald jumped at the chance and did not look back. He said: “I didn’t really care about school. But when I got to college, it all changed. It was a totally different place. You could be yourself – I took to it like a duck to water.”

Gerald’s apprenticeship with local company GW Oliver & sons Ltd gave him the skills, knowledge and confidence to begin his career.

“It gave me a complete understanding of the building industry,” Gerald explains. “It was inspiring – I wanted to learn and I really loved it. I was able to apply all that I learned at college on site. I got to learn about the science behind the materials. It gave me the best foundation for a long career.”

Gerald is one of thousands of apprentices to have studied with BCoT and has got back in touch with the college as part of its campaign to reconnect with former students to celebrate its 75 years of providing full-time and part-time courses to adults and young people in North Hampshire. His story comes as the college marks National Apprenticeship Week (9-15 February), which this year has the theme "Skills For Life", highlighting how apprenticeships build skills for career growth, fill employer needs and drive economic development. BCoT is one of the region's largest providers of apprenticeships and works alongside employers to design the curriculum to meet the specific needs of the industry.

After his apprenticeship, Gerald became an assistant clerk of works for the Basingstoke Development Group, where he worked on large-scale housing developments in Basingstoke to absorb the London overspill, taking the town from around 24,000 population to 75,000.

In 1978, he moved to Hampshire County Council as a building surveyor, which took him full circle as one of the sites under his responsibility was BCoT in Worthing Road. He said: “It was fun going back – I was a bit nervous if I am honest, but it was great to play a role in the college’s expansion. I remember the principal at the time, Neville Bradley, had a grand piano in his room. He was a great character.”

Gerald played a role in the design and building of new facilities at the college, which still support hundreds of apprentices today. These included a new hair dressing salon, upgrades to the training kitchens and restaurant, the refurbishment of the art centre and formation of a new computer suite that some 30 years later, his son Christopher would use during his Business and Computer course. Christopher is now a Technical Support Manager with Virgin Media.

Gerald’s family connections didn’t stop there. His daughter Sara completed an Art Foundation Course and went on to study Illustration at Kingston University. She is now a successful and well-known freelance Illustrator. Gerald’s granddaughter Katie studied Travel and Tourism at BCoT and is now a Supervisor and Baker at a local coffeehouse.

“It’s been wonderful to see the family attend BCoT, like I did all those years ago. They’ve had just a good experience as I did and are now thriving.”