He works full-time Monday to Friday and goes to college one day a month.
Luken lives in Newbury with his parents and pays them £200 a month rent. While he pays all his own bills, he cannot afford to move out and says he would like to see apprentices get paid more.
“The average rent where I live is between £700 to £900 per month. If I did move out, I’d have to move further away, so I’d need a car.”
As someone nearing his mid-20s, he says it can feel like you’re not achieving much when you are still living at home.
“It’s a mental health thing. Money-wise, apprentices are paid less because you are learning on the job, but it can make you feel less about yourself when you are not fully independent.”
The minimum hourly pay rate for apprentices is set to go up in April, but Luken’s apprenticeship is due to end in December so the change won’t affect him.
When his apprenticeship ends he is hoping to be kept on by his company, but is open to other opportunities.
