A conversation between John Lambert, (Family Intervention Project Case Worker, Solas) and Paul McCarthy, (Charter Building Maintenance (CBM) Manager); two Pobl people sharing a real passion for making a difference to the lives of young people, has given 16 year old Dan a massive kick start to what looks like a promising building career!
Dan, a pupil at Mounton House School, Pwyllmeyric; “a special school for boys who have struggled in mainstream schools”, initially started going to CBM in Cwmbran, once a week, on work experience, where he worked a full day on the voids team.
Dan is learning a wide variety of skills; he has just started labouring and filling walls, has been receiving one to one training laying vinyl flooring – an area of particular interest, and regularly assists the voids team in completing tight deadlines. He also undertakes basic carpentry duties.
Paul McCarthy, CBM Manager said: “Both John Lambert and myself are absolutely thrilled at the positive impact the work experience is having on Dan.
He has very quickly become a valued member of the CBM team, in fact some of the team have supplied Dan with tools and a tool box, in which he takes great pride – just as a tradesman would. Dan is enjoying the work so much, he now volunteers on a Tuesday and Thursday!
He is a really hard worker, and is hoping to secure permanent employment in the near future, I am confident he will be a real asset to any team”.
Beverley Randall, Headteacher, Mounton House School said: “We are delighted to see the positive affect the work experience is having on Daniel. He is learning new skills, developing greater independence and we have seen a vast improvement in his confidence and self esteem.
We are particularly grateful to Pobl for giving him this outstanding opportunity and it is a pleasure to see how he has flourished under the team’s direction. I’m sure this will have a significant impact on the choices that Dan makes when he leaves school”.
The work experience is the result of the start of a successful partnership between Pobl Group and the school and is an excellent example of the life-changing opportunities we are creating for young people like Dan.
A big shout out must go to both Paul McCarthy and John Lambert who came together to make the opportunity happen, and to Dan who has seized the opportunity with both hands. You all truly epitomise Pobl’s values #positive #considerate #connected
Article added 20th March 2018
