Rory

From journalist to joiner: How Rory found purpose through adult learning 

‘The tutors really understand what it’s like to make a big career change as an adult and they give you the belief to make it happen.’

At 28 years old, Rory Ellis made the bold decision to swap his career in journalism for a future in the trades. Now studying Site Carpentry at New City College, he’s traded his laptop for lumber and is discovering a hands-on career that’s both fulfilling and essential for building the economy. 

The UK currently employs over 300,000 carpenters and joiners, and with carpentry remaining one of the most in-demand skilled trades in construction, Rory’s new career path is part of a thriving industry that continues to shape homes, businesses, and communities.  

What inspired you to change careers and study site carpentry? 

Just a year ago, I was working as a journalist, spending all day behind a laptop. I started asking myself – is this it? Am I going to be sitting at a computer with numbers, words and digital assets for the rest of my life? I wanted to do something tangible, something I could do with my hands and see the result at the end of the day. Carpentry seemed like a good way to learn a real, practical skill and get a qualification I could use in a career. Plus, trades like carpentry or plumbing are well-paid, always in demand and offer good job security. 

How has your learning experience been so far? 

Before this, I did the traditional educational route – GCSEs, A Levels, an undergrad and postgrad degree – so this is definitely the most ‘out-of-the-box’ thing I’ve done so far! I was nervous at first, but the tutors here really understand what it’s like to make a big career change as an adult and they give you the belief to make it happen. The best parts have been gaining the skills to make something physical, like hanging a door and standing back to see it finished, but also getting to work with a range of different people. The mix of ages and backgrounds makes the classes more interesting because everyone brings a new perspective. 

How has studying carpentry impacted your confidence and life outside of college? 

It’s made a huge difference. Carpentry isn’t just about woodworking, it’s about understanding construction and how things fit together. It’s even carried over into my personal life. My brother recently bought a house, and we built his garden together using railway sleepers and laid a new patio. I wouldn’t have had the confidence to do that before this course. It’s given me both the skills and the belief in myself to take on new projects.  

Why do you think adult education and training for industry are so important? 

I think our education system pushes people towards academic routes too much, and we end up short of skilled tradespeople, yet these are the people we actually need. Courses like the Site Carpentry one give adults the chance to redirect their careers into areas that are vital for the country. If we cut funding for these courses, we’re basically giving the message that says only people who can afford to change careers should be allowed to. That would be a real shame. Adult education isn’t just about a personal change of career; it’s about creating something lasting, upskilling the workforce and building the future the country genuinely needs.