Proving that it’s never too soon to put your education into practice, a former Construction Plant Operations student in Cornwall is reaping the rewards of starting his own business.
Craig Frain at the age of 20 has successfully started his own plant hire business based near Launceston.
He started Craig Frain Plant Hire about a year ago and the business is going from strength to strength.
The business now boasts a wheeled digger and a swing shovel and Craig carries out general groundworks across Cornwall and Devon.
“It’s great working for myself, the word is spreading and the work is coming in. I have to be very organised and there is lots of paperwork to keep on top of, but I am enjoying the challenge,” Craig said.
Craig left Duchy College Stoke Climsland having gained not only his Level 1 qualification, but also his Construction Skills Competence Scheme (CSCS).
It allowed him to work on construction sites, and his Construction Plant Competence Scheme (CPCS), which is a scheme to prove his skills as a plant operator.
Craig went to work for Luke Furse Earthmoving Ltd, and completed a Level 2 apprenticeship in Plant Operations.
Craig said the course at Duchy College was “really hands on and prepared me for working in the industry”.
“Without my CSCS and CPCS I wouldn’t have been able to get the job with Luke Furse, I would recommend the course to anyone who wants a career in this industry,” he added.
After working for Luke for a few years Craig moved to Wagner Plant and it was whilst he was there that the opportunity arose for him to buy his own machine and start his own business.
“Working for different companies allowed me to build up experience in different areas of the business which has given me the confidence to step out on my own and start my own business,” Craig explained.
Team Lead for Construction Plant at Duchy College, Glen Miller, said he “was extremely proud of Craig and his achievements”.
“He was always a student who worked hard to achieve his goals and deserves to be successful in his venture,” he added.
For more information on the range of Construction Plant courses available across The Cornwall College Group visit www.duchy.ac.uk or call 0330 123 2523.
