Success Story

Contractors Challenge: JA's story

JA was first introduced to Streatham Youth Hub after he attended Streatham Hub Jobs Fair in April 2022 that he heard about through his mother. JA wanted to find an apprenticeship within construction but was unsure of what area of construction he wanted to get in to.

JA was then referred to the Unheard Voices Road to Success programme, that took place in April 2022, which was 12-week employability programme for 10 young people aged 16-30 in Lambeth. The programme aimed to provide young people with skills and experience needed to gain employment in the sector of their choice and allowed them to access a fully funded intensive driving course at the end of the programme.

During the course JA was able to explore different areas of construction and was given the opportunity to attend a site visit with Morgan Sindall where he could speak with people working in different trades. JA completed a 2-week CSCS course where he gained relevant knowledge of Health and Safety on construction sites and gained his Traffic Marshall and Fire Marshall Certificates in addition to a Green Labours CSCS Card. JA also gained his Level 1 First Aid At Work and Level 2 Health and Safety At Work Certificate during the 12-week employability programme.

JA was supported with creating and updating his CV throughout the programme as well as completing job applications and mock interviews prior to his real interviews which boosted his confidence and made him feel more comfortable.

In the last week of the Road To Success Programme JA completed a 5 Day intensive driving course where he completed lessons and passed his theory test. JA is still awaiting to take his practical driving test due to their back log.

JA was referred to the Developers Challenge Summer Programme ran by Lambeth Council, Construction Youth Trust and Bounceback. During this programme he attended taster days attempting bricklaying and other trades and attended interviews with sub-contractors for electrical and plumbing apprenticeships.

JA was offered both apprenticeships but chose to pursue the Electrical Apprenticeship with London MEP and was supported during the first few weeks with travel and basic tools needed by the Connecting Communities Team. JA has been enjoying his apprenticeship has sat and passed his first exam since starting in October 22. JA is looking forward to progressing within his career and becoming a qualified electrician upon completion of his apprenticeship.

 

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