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[ Graphical: Channel4 Homepage ]
David Edwards | Greg Males | Hannah Lacey | Lauren Courtney | Laurence Cunningham | Sophia 'Soaps' Perowne | Zac Rodes | Greg Santos | Ricky Crawford | Dan Wright
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Lauren Courtney
Lauren went to an all-girls' comprehensive, which she didn't enjoy very much, as she didn't get on with the teachers. Lauren says she only concentrates on things she really wants to do, and so had a tendency to 'switch off' at school. She wants to set up a glamorous 'all girls' plumbing business called Plumb-Hers with her mates. She can't say for sure why she wants to be a plumber other than her friend's dad is one and she thinks it will be 'interesting'. She's looked into apprenticeships but has so far failed to find one.
Quick Facts
Age: 18
Home Town: Welwyn Garden City
Ambition: To be an electrician or an architect
Looking Back Interview
Channel 4: Did Bricking It live up to your expectations?
Lauren: I had no idea what to expect from the project. I had
no experience in construction before so didn't know what it would
be like. It was a really good experience and I am so glad I did it.
Everything that I know now, all the skills that I have gained, are
from the project.
Channel 4: What was the best thing about Bricking It?
Lauren: Meeting everyone has been brilliant – Phil, the master craftsmen, the other trainees – they have all been great. I loved the painting and decorating – I really enjoy doing it, it relaxes me.
Channel 4: And the worst thing?
Lauren: When Greg Santos left I was really upset. I was friends
with Greg from day one and felt I was close to him. He was late all
the time but he was a good worker. I tried all the different trades
and I didn't enjoy electrics – it was too confusing!
Channel 4: What was your high point?
Lauren: The highest point was the final day – looking back on that day I was like 'wow' just looking at the flat and thinking about what we had created. When the furniture came in it brought the whole thing together and actually made it a home.
Channel 4: And your low point?
Lauren: When we failed the painting and decorating sign off I was depressed. I felt like I was going to cry because we had let ourselves and Julie our mentor down.
Channel 4: What do you think you'll do now?
Lauren: I'm going to be working for a painting and decorating
company – I start on straight away. It's a Modern Apprenticeship
in Painting and Decorating (MAPD) and my first job is in a supermarket
in Walthamstow. I was always good at art at school and eventually
would like to go into specialist painting, learning effects like marbling.
Channel 4: Any advice on working in construction?
Lauren: It is really hard to get apprenticeships. All I would say is to go for it because it is a really good career. You get training on the job learning a skill and study at college at the same time getting qualifications.
Channel 4: And finally…
Lauren: Thanks to Doctor Phil and the help of all the mentors. And thanks to my mum for sticking by me.
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