Archie was referred to us by his father when he was 16 years old. With two years’ experience working as a labourer for family and friends, he wanted to stay in construction but progress in a trade. However, he didn’t know where to start in finding out his options.

Through our Building Opportunities programme, Archie’s coach secured him a work experience placement – a week of activities from different trades, so he could try each for himself. Having previously worked in carpentry, Archie found similarities with dry lining, but working with metal. He had a natural ability and was keen to pursue this avenue further.

With his newfound passion, Archie set out to secure an apprenticeship. His confidence dipped with missed opportunities and he struggled to persevere with applications, but things changed when his coach sourced and connected him with a dry lining company offering apprenticeships.

His coach helped him develop his CV and compose a compelling application. When he was invited to interview, he put the skills he’d learnt from us into practice – and was offered a position!

Spending his time between sites in Ireland and London over recent months, Archie is now thriving in his apprenticeship and excited about his future.

Building Opportunities is an intensive coaching programme for disadvantaged young people who are NEET (Not in Education, Employment or Training) or at-risk of becoming NEET. Our programme targets the very hardest-to-reach and most vulnerable young people in our Lambeth hub and encourages them to take positive next steps towards rewarding work suited to their individual abilities and interests.