Construction Taster Day Sparks Hope and Opportunities for Care-Leavers in Hammersmith & Fulham

On Friday 31^st May, we hosted our second Construction Taster Day for care-leavers in partnership with our client Hammersmith & Fulham.

The event, held at The Hub in Shepherds Bush, was a resounding success, drawing the participation of 11 eager young individuals, supported by their dedicated social workers and employment advisors.

With the goal of introducing the prospects of a career in construction, the Taster Day encompassed an array of activities hosted by ten Axis volunteers. The Community Investment Team started the event by providing a comprehensive overview of Axis shedding light on potential apprenticeship opportunities.

One of the key highlights was an apprentice and employee panel, which engaged the attendees in an insightful Q&A session, providing them with invaluable firsthand insights into the industry.

Moreover, the event offered four 15-minute practical demonstrations led by Axis representatives that allowed participants to gain hands-on experience.

These included:

• Quantity surveying estimating and profit margin activity delivered by Abigail Darkwa-Marfo and Cindy Nguyen, Trainee Quantity Surveyors
• Electrical circuit activity delivered by Liam Howe, Electrical Supervisor
• Painting & decorating activity delivered by Saki Sackey and Vasu Balasubramanian, Apprentice Multitraders
• Plumbing/gas radiator activity delivered by Adrian Ruddick, Contract Manager and Tyler Gibbs, Apprentice Gas Engineer

Adrian Ruddick, Contract Manager, shared his experience, stating, “I found the audience very quiet and not engaging much with us however after a few speeches the People opened up. And on a personal level I found the entire day exceptional, the young people began to engage and take part in what we were demonstrating, and it was so nice to hear their personal stories and the amount of people who came up to me in person saying that my story gave them hope and inspiration to carry on was very moving.”

Liam Howe, Electrical Supervisor, also shared his experience stating ‘My overall experience was excellent I really enjoyed public speaking & being able to share my story with the youth/ young adults of today. I have been in similar circumstances and always vowed to stop and listen or help the less fortunate whether I can. Will be sure to do it again thanks for having me.’

The aim is now to provide ongoing support and guidance through work experience and apprenticeship opportunities for the talented young individuals who took part in the event.