“She listens to you and doesn’t make you awkward or feel like you shouldn’t be saying how you feel” – Adela’s story

Despite facing multiple challenges in her teens, 17-year-old Adela has been growing in confidence and getting ready for the world of work. Over the last 6 months Employment Coach Debs has had the privilege of working alongside Adela, providing advice and guidance to help her start her career. Read on to find out a bit more about her journey.

Background

At age 9, Adela’s life was completely flipped upside down as she relocated from Italy to the UK, leaving everything she knew behind. Initially she struggled to make friends in her new home due to the language barrier and despite making social connections over the years, the Covid-19 lockdown led to her once again feeling somewhat isolated.

In addition, her relationship with her family broke down and in 2024, Adela moved into care.

Fighting spirit

Despite all these challenges, Adela kept a positive mindset throughout and focused on building her resilience. As her English improved, so did her performance at school, and she obtained 6 GCSE grades.

Determined to make her way in the world, Adela applied for over 70 jobs, however she received no responses. This was extremely disheartening and frustrating for Adela, who was keen to show employers how hard she can work and prove to her family that she can support herself.

Support from Groundwork

When Adela’s case worker asked if she was interested in working with a Groundwork Employment Coach, Adela jumped at the opportunity!

She met with Employment Coach Debs every week and together they discussed what careers were available and what qualifications Adela would need to get started. After a few weeks, Adela decided she wanted to become a Scaffolder.

Adela was keen to gain as many qualifications as she could, especially her CSCS Green Card, an essential certification for the construction sector.

During her time with Debs she sat her CSCS exam, scoring a fantastic 49/50. She also gained her certificate in Health & Safety in Construction.

Ready for a career in construction

With her qualifications secured, Debs and Adela began looking for a work placement so that Adela could put her skills into practice and showcase to future employers her positive work attitude.

Debs arranged a site visit to Stockport construction company, Headoffice3, for Adela and several other young people.

Dan, the site manager was particularly impressed with Adela, as her passion to work as a scaffolder really stood out. As such, he offered her a 4-week work placement, with an opportunity for extension.

Debs will be on hand to help Adela during the work placement, ensuring she has the means to reach work, understands her responsibilities and is supported by her employer. After that, they’ll work together to apply for full time employment.

“I found it great to work with Debs, she was really supportive with everything and helped me a lot, she helped me pass my CSCS and helped me gain other qualifications as well such as customer service and manual handling. She listens to you and doesn’t make you awkward or feel like you shouldn’t be saying how you feel”