Get into Construction in Camden: Six month update

The Prince’s Trust and Rydon hosted a Get into Construction programme on one of Camden’s largest construction projects in March, helping 12 young unemployed people take a first step into a construction career at the Bacton Low Rise redevelopment in Gospel Oak.

The placement helped the group gain the confidence and skills they need to start a career in the industry. Each person was able to learn practical skills such as dry lining, brickwork, carpentry, plumbing and electrical installation, whilst having the opportunity to improve teamwork, communication skills and boost their confidence.

Several months on, and with many equipped with the all-important CSCS safety cards, it has been possible to achieve one of Rydon’s highest levels of success from one of these programmes, with eight of the original 12 now in full-time training or employment, developing their careers in the industry.

We take a brief look at what some of the successful candidates have achieved since the initial two week programme ended in March.

Alex Dos Santos
Site Management Trainee, Rydon

Alex was selected by Rydon to join as a site management trainee after completing the programme. He is now based at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital project in Tower Hamlets and plans to go to college. Prior to the programme he had worked for a family business.

Commenting on his experiences, Alex said: “The Prince’s Trust gave me a great opportunity to go out and experience an industry I have always wanted to work in. I can’t thank Rydon and The Trust enough for helping me to discover what I want to do with my career. I have enjoyed all the practical activities and learnt so much.”

Sophie Savage
Site Management Trainee, Rydon

Sophie, who previously served with the RAF and was medically discharged, excelled during the two-week programme and is now a site management trainee at the Bacton Low Rise project in Camden.

After this she hopes to pursue an NVQ level qualification to develop and take her career forward in the industry.

Commenting on her experiences, Sophie said: “Both Rydon and The Prince’s Trust have been amazing. The programme has given me a real sense of belief, helped restore my confidence and motivate me to believe I can get a job and succeed in life. The programme offered me sector knowledge and skills, but also helped me develop and evolve as a person.”

Henry Frost
Apprentice, HKH Building Services

Before being referred by The Prince’s Trust, Henry had been working for a family business and did not know how to get a first step into the industry. Henry has just started an apprenticeship with HKH Building Services on the Packington Estate scheme in Islington and is focused on his career ambition to become a fully qualified carpenter.

Commenting on his experiences, Henry said: “The Prince’s Trust is a great charity. The staff are kind and easy to get along with. I would like to thank Harj Goraya at The Trust for motivating me, as well as Christine Edwards and Tony Miller at Rydon for helping me to learn and pass my CSCS test.”

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