DCG Success Stories

 Enrolling at Derby College Group to retrain as a carpenter turned out to be the right decision for mature student Kim Gill. 

Kim, 36, has been named Student of the Year in Carpentry and Joinery as well as Best Site Carpenter of the Year in the college’s awards. 

She now plans to set herself up as a handywoman in Derbyshire, then in around 10 years’ time, relocate to New Zealand. 

A mum to two boys, Kim is a qualified nursery nurse but has always loved DIY and decided to learn a trade. 

She said: “I want to move to New Zealand. It’s got such a great active outdoors lifestyle and the population’s much smaller. We could build our own house.  

“To emigrate though I’d need skills, and rather than working in childcare, I thought I’d learn a trade. I chose carpentry because I enjoyed woodwork at school. I make tables at home in my spare time.  

“I’ve always done my own DIY – not just for myself but also for friends and family.”  

Kim studied part-time on DCG’s Level 2 Technical in Site Carpentry course at the Hudson Building and is amazed at how much she learned in such a short space of time.  

She added: “The teachers were very knowledgeable and so patient with us. We learned how to make stud walls and how to fit stairs.  

“I gained new skills at college through learning how to use the tools properly and that’s enabled me to start my own projects at home.  

“The thing I like best about carpentry is finishing a job and seeing the end result. 

“I found college hard at first. I was mortified that the other students on my level 2 were about 20 years younger than me.  

“Most weren’t much older than my 14-year-old son, but it was fine once I’d got to know some of them. We had a laugh.” 

Much to her relief, Kim got a Distinction in her theory exam and will receive the rest of her results in August.  

She recently found part-time work with a local carpentry firm so she can further her skills and to experience before going it alone as a handywoman.  

She added: “There are people who might feel vulnerable with a man in the house and would much prefer a woman to do their DIY. 

“It would be great to set up my own business. The level 2 course taught me a lot. I’d definitely recommend it. 

“I’m thrilled to have won two college awards. I had no idea I was in line for them. It was a nice surprise”