October is Black History Month. To mark the occasion, we chatted to Theo Pashley, Apprenticeship Development Coach at CITB’s National Construction College (NCC).
This year’s Black History Month theme, Honouring Our Communities, is particularly fitting for Theo as he reflects on his career journey and what this month means to him.
From challenge to opportunity
For Theo, it all started after leaving university with a degree in Sports and Exercise Science. Like many graduates, he struggled to secure a first job due to a lack of work experience.
“After various avenues trying to find a job, I then worked in the NHS for a period of time before I found myself with CITB, which I've been with for the last 10 years.”
This eventually led to Theo starting his career at CITB as a Customer Service Coordinator before moving into his current role as an Apprenticeship Development Coach at the NCC.
Experiencing these employability challenges first-hand gave Theo an understanding of how difficult it can be for young people to enter the workplace without practical experience.
Wanting to help others overcome the same barriers, he became a passionate advocate for apprenticeships and the opportunities they can create within the construction industry.
Making a real impact
Theo believes success is measured not just by qualifications achieved, but by the long-term impact apprentices go on to make within the industry.
“Everyone's got a story, everyone's got a talent and I love trying to help people within their job as an apprentice, and others too, to find their inner person and get the best out of them. That's what motivates me every day to go to work and give the best that I can.”
“I've got various success stories of where learners have been able to go on to be site managers, project managers or establish their very own business.”
These achievements are built on creating an environment where apprentices feel supported, valued and empowered to succeed.
“It's important that we provide that support to make them feel comfortable, enjoy their apprenticeship programme and get the very best out of the experience. That's ultimately what we want.”
Seeing apprentices develop their skills, gain confidence and achieve their goals is what makes the role so fulfilling.
“It's great to feel that I've had an impact on an apprentice who has worked really hard, achieved the success they deserve and gone on to do well in their career.”
Their achievements, whether progressing into management positions or establishing their own businesses, highlight the lasting impact of Theo's support and the vital role of Apprenticeship Development Coaches.
Building confidence, backing yourself and having a positive impact on others
Reflecting on his own journey, Theo wants others to understand that making mistakes and experiencing self-doubt is completely normal.
“It's OK to make mistakes. It's OK to doubt yourself. That's fine. We're not perfect.”
Theo shares that self-doubt has been something he has experienced throughout much of his life. However, through seeking support and investing in his personal development, he has built greater self-belief and confidence.
“I've suffered with doubts throughout pretty much my whole life, but I've been able to go through various avenues, including therapy, and build that inner confidence.”
Confidence, he believes, comes from learning to trust yourself and recognising your own strengths.
“It's OK to look in the mirror and say, ‘You know what? I can do something. I am good at what I do.’”
While nobody is perfect, Theo encourages everyone to back themselves, embrace their potential and focus on becoming the best version of themselves.
“Just get that confidence, back yourself and be the best version of who you can be.”
What Black History Month means to Theo
As part of Black History Month, Theo put his thoughts into a rap that captures what the month means to him and why this year's theme, Honouring Our Communities, is so important.
Theo Pashley: What Black History Month means to me
Hear from Apprenticeship Development Coach Theo Pashley on what the month of October and the theme 'Honouring Our Communities' means to him.
Theo Pashley: What Black History Month means to me | 00:49
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