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Growing up on a property, Dannah has always been happy to get her hands dirty.  "I was raised with the idea that anyone can do anything if they want to learn. I suppose I've just carried that with me throughout life".

Maintaining an interest for all things carpentry, including building her own furniture, Dannah's career took a turn when she decided to extend the family home.  After selecting a builder, Dannah obtained her Owner Builder permit and nominated herself as a Labourer for the whole project.  "It was a great experience.  I got a real taste for carpentry, found I really loved it and realised I could do it too!".

The fire was lit. Excited, Dannah decided to formalise her passion with an Apprenticeship.  Looking for work as a mature-aged female apprentice, Dannah met with a number of Group Training Organisations who said they'd be unable to find a suitable employer.  Determined, Dannah found an employer herself and signed up with Blue Dog Training.  Now working with York Build, a family-run business, Dannah is just like everyone else onsite and very much part of the team.

Having taught Pole Fitness classes for many years, even running her own Pole Fitness and Aerials business, Dannah's advanced level of fitness ensures she keeps up with the labour intensive work onsite, "I knew I was as fit as any of the other men on site and could keep up with the pace and heavy lifting".

Juggling kids, a full-time apprenticeship and still teaching at the Lawnton Pole Gym, Dannah appreciates the flexibility of the Blue Dog model.  "The online training is great! It's clear, easy to follow, with enough information to support the theory content.  I finish each module with a real understanding of the topic".

Another benefit of the Blue Dog model means Dannah's not stuck in a classroom and can bring any questions to work to discuss over a break. She can also chat through these with her Trainer, Joel Kemp at any time.  "Joel's been really great.  It's so nice to know that I'll speak to the same person at Blue Dog throughout my apprenticeship, who knows my circumstances and understands the work I'm doing onsite".

Exposed to big residential builds and just about to embark on her first commercial project, Dannah relishes the opportunity to work with the team at York Build. Glad she persisted in the hunt for an Apprenticeship, Dannah hopes her journey provides inspiration for other aspiring female and/or mature-aged carpenters.  "I hope anyone who wants to do Carpentry would give it a go. It's such an exciting and ever-changing trade".

Motivated and determined, the team at Blue Dog are certainly keen to follow Dannah's journey through the remainder of her Apprenticeship.