A Bradford woman is proving it is never too late to change careers after swapping a decade of creative work for a joinery apprenticeship at the age of 39.
Sonia, who previously worked as an artist and chef on community projects across the district, has joined housing provider Incommunities as part of its 2026 apprenticeship intake.
She is one of just six successful candidates selected from 1,316 applicants, securing a place on the scheme as she pursues a more stable career while continuing to put her creativity and practical skills to use.
For Sonia, the decision was about more than changing jobs. She also hopes to challenge stereotypes and encourage more women, particularly women of colour, to consider careers in skilled trades.
“I was ready for a new challenge and wanted a career that offered more stability,” she said.
“I spent a decade working as an artist and chef on creative projects with communities across the Bradford district, so I was looking for something practical and creative that also had a strong social purpose.
“Women, especially women of colour, are underrepresented in the trades, and I wanted to be part of changing that.”
Her connection to Incommunities is also a personal one, with her mother having previously worked for the organisation.
“I’m from Bradford and already knew Incommunities as a major local employer. My mum used to work here and told me about the apprenticeship scheme, so I applied with a focus on my transferable skills and was thrilled to gain a place!
“I am really enjoying learning at college and from experienced joiners at work. Everyone I’ve met has been so encouraging.”
Six apprentices chosen from more than 1,300 applicants
Sonia is joined by fellow recruits Shabs, Matthew, Luis, Jack and Reece, who have taken up roles across different skilled trades.
The new intake comprises two apprentice joiners, two apprentice plumbers, one apprentice electrician and one apprentice gas engineer.
All six completed a two-week induction designed to introduce them to the organisation and the communities it serves.
Their programme included shadowing neighbourhood, customer service and empty homes teams, meeting existing apprentices and taking part in a community day of action in Clayton.
The experience gave the recruits an insight into how Incommunities’ services work together to support residents and maintain homes across the district.
From growing up in an Incommunities home to working for the organisation
For fellow apprentice Luis, who is training to become a gas engineer, joining Incommunities represents a particularly meaningful milestone.
Having moved to the UK from the Philippines, he grew up in an Incommunities home and remembers the engineers who visited his family to carry out safety checks and repairs.
“I remember colleagues visiting to carry out gas checks and repairs,” he said.
“They were always helpful and welcoming and wanted to make sure we were comfortable in our home. Some of the people I met then are now people I work with.”
Luis said he had always felt that a practical career suited him better than the traditional university route.
“University was the route everyone talked about, but I knew it wasn’t for me. An apprenticeship felt like the right way to change direction, learn practical skills and build a career.”
His journey into the profession was not without setbacks.
After narrowly missing out on an apprenticeship place last year, Luis took the initiative to gain experience and improve his chances.
“I applied last year and reached the final interview but narrowly missed out. I asked if I could do work experience so I could build the skills I was missing.
“I completed two placements, got to know the team and learned more about the tools and the role.
“I applied again this year and was successful. The experience made me even more certain that I wanted to become a gas engineer.”
Building skills and opportunities in Bradford
Incommunities has been running its apprenticeship programme for more than 20 years, helping local people develop practical skills and establish long-term careers.
Over the past 15 years alone, the housing provider has trained more than 91 trade apprentices across 14 different trade areas, with many progressing into permanent positions and other roles within the organisation.
Employing more than 900 people, Incommunities is one of Bradford’s largest employers. More than 200 of its colleagues work in practical trades, including plumbing, plastering, electrical work, horticulture and multi-skilled maintenance roles.
Dennis Wellington, Director of Property Services at Incommunities, said the latest intake demonstrated the importance of recognising talent from different backgrounds.
“Our apprenticeship scheme has been helping people build lasting careers for over 20 years. We are very proud of that record and of the skilled, experienced colleagues who began their careers with us as apprentices,” he said.
“This year’s new recruits each bring something different. Their stories show that talent can come from many places and that there is no single route into a successful career.”
He added that the organisation had a responsibility to help develop skills and employment opportunities across Bradford.
“As one of Bradford’s biggest employers, we have an important part to play in creating opportunities and developing the skills our district needs.
“We want our apprentices to feel supported, learn from experienced colleagues and have the chance to grow with us.
“We are delighted to welcome our six new apprentices and look forward to seeing where their careers take them.”
The apprentices will combine hands-on experience with college-based learning as they work towards nationally recognised trade qualifications.
Incommunities apprenticeships typically last between two and four years, providing a route into skilled employment for people at different stages of their working lives.
For Sonia, the opportunity is not only a fresh start at 39 but also a chance to help challenge perceptions of who belongs in the trades.
