H&F Construction Taster Day Empowers Young Care-Leavers for Future Opportunities

On October 23^rd, Axis hosted a Construction Taster Day for care-leavers in partnership with Hammersmith & Fulham Virtual School and Kier. The event, held in Shepherds Bush, was a resounding success, drawing the participation of ten eager young individuals, supported by their dedicated social workers and employment advisors. Six Axis volunteers attended the event.

With the goal of introducing the prospects of a career in construction, the Taster Day encompassed an array of activities. The itinerary included a comprehensive overview of Axis and Kier, shedding light on potential apprenticeship opportunities. One of the key highlights was the 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 practical demonstrations led by Axis and Kier Apprentices that allowed participants to gain hands-on experience. These demonstrations, ranging from basic painting techniques to removing a radiator from a wall, added a practical dimension to the day’s activities. Additionally, an electric circuit competition and Resident/RLO role-playing sessions further enriched the participants’ understanding of the field.

David Leonard, our Apprentice Mentor, expressed his enthusiasm, stating, “Our apprentices got as much out of showing their skills to the young attendees as they got from us. They were buzzing at the end of it, their communication skills improved, and their confidence soared a few notches. It was also nice to work with Keir as it showed that although we are commercial competitors we can still work together for the good of others”.

Simon Bisiker, Virtual School Senior Practitioner from Hammersmith & Fulham Council, lauded the efforts of the organisers and volunteers, emphasizing the positive impact the event had on the participants. “It was a really positive event, and I know the young people gained a lot from it. I am truly grateful for all of your hard work, including the apprentices and other workers, for making the event so positive,” he remarked, expressing his gratitude to the dedicated team behind the initiative.

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.