Riley is a Year 11 student from Brune Park, currently studying multi trades at St Vincents College 4 days a week.
He was referred to the Supported Work Experience Programme by his school who wanted us to find him a placement that would enable him to develop the skills learnt at college in a real working environment and also give Riley an opportunity to further explore his interest in a future career within the construction industry.
During the initial meeting Riley was nervous but was able to express his interest in gaining a hands on placement where he could use the skills he had learnt during his college placement and wanted a chance to improve his confidence.
Riley was found a placement with Kier, who are a leading UK based construction and infrastructure services company. As part of the programme Riley was supported at his interview by a member of EBP staff and began working with them in January 2023.
Kier assigned an experienced member of staff who Riley would shadow during his placement.
“Riley joined the voids team (repairing and redecorating empty properties for new tenants) at Kier and since starting the placement, Riley has engaged with all aspects of the placement. He has been punctual and since beginning the placement has only missed one day due to ill health. Even checking in with the office during the school holidays.
Since starting the placement, Riley among other jobs, has assisted with decorating, learnt how to lay tiles, change window and door handles and to mix and pouring a self levelling floor. He is punctual, has a positive attitude, polite, well presented asks questions when unsure and is always willing to try any new task he is given to the best of his ability.
Riley has a professional and friendly manner and we are hoping to offer him an apprenticeship when he leaves school.”
“I am really enjoying my placement, its hard work but the people I work with are really supportive and its been really good to use the skills I have learnt on my college course.
The best thing about the placement is the work and learning new skills and the worst thing about it is the early starts but I always make sure I go the bed earlier the night before to make sure I am on time.
If I didn’t have this placement I don’t know what I would be doing at the end of year 11. It’s helped me improve my confidence and learn new skills.”
