Nathan’s Story: A Future in construction

Nine months ago, Nathan had never had a job. Today, he’s multi-skilled on site, hoist trained, working full time, and due to start his telehandler licence with Bridgend College soon.

His story started through our resident liaison work at our flagship project in Swansea. Terry Weeks, one of our Liaison Officers, got talking to a resident in one of the flats, and their parent was given Freya Church’s contact details last October. Knowing Nathan was the son of one of our residents made us even more determined to support him, and through Freya’s existing contacts at Maximus, an out-of-work service in Swansea, he had already been on our radar.

Nathan hadn’t been in work, education or training before, and we didn’t want to see another young person end up in that position. So we created a role for him, with support from the site team, through the R&M Williams Work Experience and Progression Programme. Two days a week, two weeks unpaid and two weeks paid. Walking onto site for the first time felt like stepping into a different world, and learning new skills while engaging with new people was mentally exhausting at first, but he stuck with it.

We carried out a risk assessment to understand what Nathan could and couldn’t do, and settled on two days a week as a gateman. Those two days soon became three, then four, as he settled into the role and wanted more. Being able to earn his own money brought a sense of pride and freedom he hadn’t had before, and he has since taken on light labouring, hoist training, and progressed to full time hours across gate duties, deliveries and yard work.

The hoist training came about when the site switched from a goods to a people hoist and needed more operators trained. Nathan was one of the cohort chosen, completing a half day course covering regulations and safe operating procedures. It gave him the confidence to keep pushing.

Knowing he wanted to upskill but unsure which direction to take, Nathan spoke to an existing telehandler operator on site, researched courses, contacted several providers, and secured a fully funded place at Bridgend College through a Personal Learning Account. He’s due to start soon.

“Take the leap. Don’t look back. I never thought I could do half the things I’m doing now, but if you put your mind to it, you can achieve it.”

Nathan

Nathan is far more open now, comfortable with people and confident seeking out information from line management. Having a steady income has given him choices he didn’t have before, including plans to buy a vehicle and start driving lessons. He’s keen to keep going too, with banksman or traffic marshal training already on his radar.

“We couldn’t think of a better addition to the site full time. He’s first there every morning, always smiling, always willing to learn. You can’t teach that attitude.”

Site Managers