Tony enrolled on our Building Opportunities programme when he was 18 years old, having struggled to find his path since leaving school.

Having just started a construction course at Lewisham College, he wanted to explore his creative side by pursuing a career in painting and decorating but didn’t know where to start. Before he could secure any site-based role, he would need his Level 1 Health and Safety qualification and CSCS card and this was the first step in us being able to support him.

Once on our programme, Tony attended guided revision sessions and 1-2-1 support from our coaches with the aim of achieving these qualifications.

He was then able to attend one of our Live Vacancies Days. These CYT-facilitated events connect young people directly to relevant employers with live job opportunities. Here he heard of a painting and decorating apprenticeship opportunity with a major construction company on a local Lewisham site, specifically looking for applicants resident to the area. He couldn’t believe his luck!

Having achieved his CSCS card and been introduced to an exciting opportunity, Tony’s motivation soared. He worked alongside his CYT coach to develop his CV and applied for the role. Tony was invited to interview where he put the techniques he’d learnt from us into practice – and it was a huge triumph.

Tony successfully landed the Level 2 Painting and Decorating apprenticeship and is now looking forward to starting work on a local construction site in Deptford. We wish him the best of luck in his exciting new career venture!

Building Opportunities is an intensive coaching programme for disadvantaged young people who are NEET (Not in Education, Employment or Training) or at-risk of becoming NEET. Our programme targets the very hardest-to-reach and most vulnerable young people in our hub areas and encourages them to take positive next steps towards rewarding work suited to their individual abilities and interests.