Kulpreet Sangha, 36, has ambitious plans for creating greener homes across the country
A passion for the environment and building a more sustainable future are top of the priority list for new apprentice Kulpreet Sangha, who has ambitious plans for creating greener homes across the country.
Using her experiences of growing up in India, before moving to Canada and later settling in the UK, Kulpreet is keen to combine her life skills and apprenticeship to achieve her dream.
"The government sector changes lives every day, so it is exciting to be part of something that has a real influence," explains Hammersmith-resident Kulpreet.
Started in November
The 36-year-old started her apprenticeship in November, working within the mechanical and electrical team for the property and compliance department.
No two days are the same, as Kulpreet is dealing with technical jobs raised around gas, water, electric and lifts in buildings across H&F.
"In the mechanical and electrical team we are working with gas, water and electricity, which ultimately spearheads the energy in H&F, so I feel like I am in the right team," says Kulpreet, who lives in Brackenbury Village after moving to London in 2013.
"I am interested in whether we can live a bit greener and I would love to eventually be involved in creating ecological homes.
"I am very excited about the opportunities the apprenticeship can bring, and I think as long as you have self-motivation and ambition there is so much to get out of it."
Kulpreet's passion for the world of property and buildings began more than 10 years ago, when she was involved in planning a new climbing centre in Staffordshire.
Spreading her wings
Living in Canada at the time, the kernel of an idea grew.
Kulpreet moved to Stoke-on-Trent, where she worked as part of a seven-strong team to bring the Kilnworx Indoor Climbing Centre to life.
The social enterprise transformed a derelict old church and school into a centre for climbing with ropes, as well as bouldering – climbing and scrambling rope-free up large structures – and tons of community activities.
The building's transformation and reuse sparked Kulpreet's interest in green issues, but after moving to London, life had different ideas.
Kulpreet's extensive knowledge of India, where she had lived until the age of 24, meant she pursued a career in the travel industry, first working for Jetline Cruise then as a senior expert for STA Travel, leading its India team.
"I loved working in travel, but I didn't want to do it all my life," explains Kulpreet.
Time for a change
Taking on a part-time role in conservation at the WWT London Wetland Centre in Barnes reignited Kulpreet's passion for all things eco.
Then when the pandemic hit the UK and the travel industry was badly affected, Kulpreet knew 'it was a sign that it was the right time for me to make a change'.
"I had already realised through the Kilnworx project that property was where my heart lies," she says. "That's when I started looking at local government roles."
Now almost three months into her apprenticeship – which involves four days of work and a dedicated day for studying – Kulpreet has made the first steps towards realising her ambitions.
"Having chance to have conversations with people within the council from across different departments and share my ideas is a wonderful opportunity," she says.
"I would strongly recommend anyone to take up an apprenticeship. It is a great way to transition from one industry to another."
