Having left school with GCSEs, qualifications in construction, work experience with a local company and a natural talent for electrics, Rhys Verlinden was not sure how to make his career happen.
Having left school with GCSEs, a number of qualifications in construction and work experience with a local company, Rhys Verlinden was unsure what to do next. He was referred to Career Connect for help identifying his options. They gave advice and guidance on the training, learning and employment routes available to him and helped him understand how to attract potential employers.
Through Career Connect, Rhys was able to start his career in the construction industry
It was through this support that Rhys learned about the Torus Foundation and decided to apply for their ILM Access to Work Programme – which offers valuable work experience for young people in Liverpool City Region aged 16-29 who are not in employment, education or training (or NEET). Career Connect and Torus supported Rhys’ through the application process, helped him tailor his CV to match his skills and experience to the requirements of the programme and offered support to prepare for an interview.
Within five weeks, Rhys was offered a position with HMS – part of The Torus Construction and an award-winning building and maintenance contractor that maintains 40,000 homes across Cheshire and Liverpool City Region. He now works on a wide range of construction projects, developing skills including painting, fencing, excavation, demolition, and environmental cleaning.
Rhys said: “Since starting with HMS I’ve already picked up various skills and I’m doing really well. I’m learning everyday with help from a friendly and experienced team and I’m building new skills in plastering and electrical work. I’m really enjoying the opportunities opened up to me at HMS through Career Connect”.
Mike Withington, Team Manager at HMS, “Rhys shows a great work ethic and an eagerness to learn and adapt. His work so far includes tiling and preparing vacant properties and we’ve recently made arrangements for Rhys to widen his skills and gain experience working alongside one of our electricians. HMS is a firm supporter of these employment and training programmes and we work with key partners to ensure they continue.”
