Connaught helps jobseekers 'construct' careers

Connaught Partnerships has linked with the Construction Youth Trust to help Rhondda Cynon Taf youngsters prepare for careers in the building industry.

Seven youngsters are being given an insight into how to take the necessary steps to get into construction related jobs.

Through the Construction Youth Trust the youngsters, who are all from disadvantaged backgrounds, have been working through a range of taster sessions over a four month period.

The sessions have culminated in individuals undertaking mock interviews, led by staff from Connaught Partnerships.

Paul Phillips, 18 and from Penrhys, was one of the people who attended the day. Having left school at the age of 16 Paul has struggled to find a job. However, with the help of the Trust he has now had a taste into the construction industry and is determined to find work locally.

He said: “I have found all of the experiences excellent. Through the taster sessions I have been able to gain an insight into all aspects of the construction industry. The mock interview was an excellent way to round off the activities and I am now more determined than ever to find work within the industry.”

Paul has completed a range of sessions where he has learnt about basic woodwork and associated skills. He has since been working to carve out a career as a carpenter and has made a selection of items including picture frames and benches, which have been donated to a local primary school.

He continued: “The mock interview was good at showing what we can expect when applying for jobs. Although I was nervous, I enjoyed it and am now looking to enrol on more courses to further my skills. I will then be ready to send out my CV to as many companies as possible so that I can start learning even more – after all there’s no substitute for experience.”

The Construction Youth Trust helps individuals to gain training and employment through effectively tackling social exclusion and related disadvantage. It is uniquely placed to help people and communities working with a wide range of contacts and organisations within the construction industry in Wales.

Connaught Partnerships is working across Rhondda Cynon Taf to deliver an extensive upgrade programme to houses which are owned by RCT Homes.

Connaught’s partnering operations manager on the RCT Homes contract, John Tucker, said “We pride ourselves in benefiting communities across the UK. We are delighted to link with initiatives like this as it creates more awareness of what it’s like to work within the growing industry and how people can take the necessary steps to do so.”

Christine Townley, director of Construction Youth Trust said: “We are delighted to be working in partnership with Connaught.”

Connaught is the UK’s leading provider of asset management services to local authorities and registered social landlords, providing a full range of housing maintenance and estate management services. It is committed to working with social housing landlords and local authorities to achieve the Welsh Assembly Government’s Housing Quality Standards 2012 target.