Building futures

Local landlord Coastline Housing, based in Redruth, Cornwall, has launched a new round of work placements under its Coastline Construct scheme.

Working with partners including Mi-Space, which is building 140 new homes for Coastline at Quintrell Downs near Newquay, the placements take place under Covid-secure conditions.

Coastline Construct enables both Coastline customers and members of the wider community to gain experience of working on-site to help realise their ambitions of finding work within the construction industry. Participants benefit from five days of live site experience in a range of trades and support to seek onward work or training.

Justin Ricks, Community Navigator at Coastline Housing, says: “We are committed to ensuring people have continued access to training opportunities during the pandemic. The Coastline Construct scheme has run for several years, and we knew it was even more important at a time when people could well need improved skills in their search for work. We are very pleased to have been able to collaborate with partners to offer these opportunities safely during these challenging times.”

Partner agencies ensure participants have the support they need to prepare for and get the most out of their placements. This includes one-to-one assistance from Who Dares Works/Active Plus, basic construction skills training with Rebuild Southwest, help to gain a CSCS card and referrals from Newquay Jobcentre Plus.

David Pengelly, Mi-space Operations Director, says: “Our team has introduced a number of participants to a career in construction, bringing them on site to learn and work with us and gain real life work experience. We are pleased to be able to support Coastline with this vital scheme while highlighting the hugely rewarding and long-lasting careers available within the construction sector.”

The first participant to complete his placement this year was Jordan Mitchell, who was so keen to be a part of the scheme that he undertook a 60-mile round journey to the site each day.

Sean, from Who Dares Works says: “There aren’t many people who would make a 60-mile round journey every day for a work placement, especially to graft outdoors at this time of year. It demonstrates how determined Jordan is to take opportunities to get back into work. He’s made a massive contribution to our project and deserves the chance to kickstart his career.”

Jordan says: “I feel this is good experience for someone who has not been on a large construction site and helps them learn how to act on site with health and safety. It could help people think and find out about what trade they would like to consider in the future.”

Upon completion of the work experience placement, Jordan has gone on to secure employment with Mi-space. Jordan has also since been awarded the Rebuild South West Jon Boy Award - awarded to individuals that have pushed themselves that little bit further and showed a real commitment to success.

Craig, from Rebuild Southwest adds: “The energy that has been put in by so many on the project is testament to the passion and professionalism of all at Who Dares Works. That said, when you get someone with Jordan’s attitude and tenacity it is all an absolute pleasure. Jordan has had a difficult journey of late but knew what he needed to do fix things and went about it with his trademark faultless enthusiasm. We will all miss Jordan at Rebuild SW but know that his journey is far from over and he will continue to grow and be an invaluable asset to any workforce.”

Coastline Housing will be offering further placements across this year and into 2021. To find out more about Coastline Construct email backtowork@coastlinehousing.co.uk.