Signing up for the Level 1 sector-based work academy programme in plant and groundworks is enabling 19-year-old Oreon Sangoo-Williams to expand his skills which will make him more employable in the future.
Oreon said: “I did Level 1 and Level 2 diplomas in plumbing and was interested in an apprenticeship, but when I couldn’t find a placement I decided to do the groundworks course to develop skills in another area of the industry.
“All construction trades are linked so it’ll be good to be multi-skilled and I’ll be able to use my plumbing skills when working on underground pipe works and drainage.
“I’m also learning bricklaying, block paving, slab work and concreting, as well as how to use different site equipment such as a laser leveller, power tools and machinery. Before starting the course I didn’t have any experience in groundworks but I’ve learnt so many new skills and my confidence has increased.
“Having a guaranteed interview with an employer at the end of the course is great as I’ve got a better insight into what I’ll be expected to do when working on-site and hopefully it’ll lead to a job – I just want to work in construction and use the skills I’ve learnt!”
