Opening Doors To Careers In Construction

At BESL, we are passionate about creating opportunities for people to explore careers within the construction industry. Through our regular sessions with the Onsite Construction Academy, we provide attendees with an insight into the wide variety of trades and professional roles available across construction, as well as the different pathways into the industry.

These sessions are designed to give participants as much information as possible about working in construction. Alongside presentations and discussions, attendees are taken on live site tours where they can experience the environment first-hand, meet people working across different trades, and ask questions about their own journeys into the industry.

Our latest cohort recently visited Fairwater Community Campus, where they were given the opportunity to learn more about the project and speak directly with members of the site team. One attendee in particular, Che, stood out for his enthusiasm and determination to learn.

When Che first arrived on site, he was interested in groundworks but admitted he was unsure what questions to ask. However, it didn’t take long before his confidence grew and soon he couldn’t stop asking questions. His enthusiasm and eagerness to learn were fantastic to see.

Following the initial site tour, Che returned to take part in onsite work experience. He enjoyed the experience so much that he regularly asked to stay longer to continue learning and gaining hands-on experience.

Che was placed with Seer Construction, who are carrying out the groundworks package at Fairwater Community Campus. The team were so impressed with his attitude, work ethic, and willingness to learn that they offered him a full-time position.

This is exactly what these sessions are all about; inspiring people to pursue careers in construction and helping them take meaningful steps into employment.

Reflecting on his experience, Che described working on the project as: “engaging, fast-paced, full of energy and supported by friendly and helpful colleagues.”

When asked about the best part of his onsite experience, Che said:

“Meeting and speaking to workers across different trades about construction, getting hands-on and helping wherever I could, and taking on board all the advice given.”

Che explained that the experience had a major impact on his career ambitions:

“It has helped massively. I was 80% sure I wanted a career in construction, but after the experience I have been kindly given, I am now completely focused on continuing my journey in the industry.”

He also shared advice for others considering a career in construction:

• Ask lots of questions

• Work hard

• Never be late

• First impressions count

• Talk to everybody – construction is a close-knit industry

• Don’t miss the Introduction to Construction tour

Che was full of praise for both BESL and the Onsite Construction Academy, highlighting the support available through training, guidance, PPE provision, and tailored onsite experience opportunities.

He said:

“BESL were great in what they do and what they can offer. They give anybody the chance to see what it’s like to work on site and that is inspiring. I knew I wanted to do groundworks, and they accommodated my work experience to do this. The whole team were very knowledgeable and helpful with any questions. The introduction tour with Sarah Burge was very informative and eye-opening. Andy Jerrett was really welcoming and friendly, he was great in getting me equipped ready for ground works”

Che also thanked Steve Winter and Tom Rees for giving him the opportunity to begin his career in the industry.

Steve Winter from Seer Construction said:

“We would like to thank BESL and Cardiff Council for Che coming on and giving us his time to help us with our very busy schedule. Che has been a great help to our business and has worked very well with the team. We are pleased to let you know that we have offered him a full-time position with us.”

Damien Daniels added:

“Having spoken with Che on site yesterday, he is delighted to have been given the opportunity and appreciates the time the team has taken to teach and support him.”

Sarah Burge of BESL said:

“I am incredibly proud that we were able to support Che in securing employment within the construction industry. He has shown that determination, ambition, and a strong work ethic truly do pay off. Che has an exciting future ahead of him in groundworks, and this success story highlights exactly why initiatives like this are so important. Supporting people into meaningful careers and seeing them grow in confidence is one of the most rewarding parts of what we do.”

Assistant Into Work Manager at Cardiff Council, Joe Cicero, said:

“Our partnership with BESL shows what can be achieved when we work closely together. It’s helping to create real opportunities on site and sets a strong example of how effective collaboration with our contractors can deliver positive outcomes.”