A 16 year old from Newton le Willows has thanked Groundwork for helping him to land his dream job.
Shortly after leaving school, Billy Hunt started a Traineeship programme with Groundwork. The programme helps young people aged 16-18 to develop skills within their chosen career with the support from experienced employers and Groundwork’s employability coaches. In Billy’s case, this included a placement with Groundwork’s Conservation Team.
Throughout the programme Billy’s impressed everyone with his positive attitude and his aptitude for landscaping and building work. So much so, that before he even finished his 10 week programme, he was offered a job by Rouse Landscape Ltd in Wigan.
Proper work experience
Billy says: “I’ve always been interested in working in landscape gardening, but I didn’t know where to start. I heard about Groundwork’s Traineeship scheme through a relative and decided to get in touch. My Traineeship gave me proper work experience in a career I was interested in. I’ve had the chance to work alongside and learn from experts and I’ve now got a really strong CV.
My new job is exactly what I was looking for. If it wasn’t for Groundwork, I don’t think I’d be in this position.
“When I first came to Groundwork I was really shy and had no work experience. I was anxious about having to meet and work with lots of new people, but it turns out I had nothing to worry about – I’ve really enjoyed it. Being on a Traineeship has built my confidence and I’ve learnt so much over the last few months. I’ve done everything from gardening, grounds maintenance and tree planting, to joinery and building wooden boardwalks and footpaths. I’ve also learned about the importance of teamwork. My new job is exactly what I was looking for and if it wasn’t for Groundwork, I don’t think I’d be in this position.”
“Groundwork’s staff have been amazing. They’ve supported me whenever I started to doubt myself and they’ve always been there to give advice, or answer any questions I might have. I’ve not only gained practical experience, but I’ve now got qualifications, including my CSCS card. This means I can also work on construction sites. Groundwork even paid for some of the workwear I’m using in my new job.”
In addition to his work placement, Billy completed a number of enrichment sessions to improve his employability. These included; Health and Safety in the Workplace, Teamwork, Communication and Customer Service, Mental Health and Wellbeing, Money Management and C.V, Interview Skills and Job Applications.
We are so proud of Billy and everything he has achieved in his time with us. He will be an amazing asset to any team
We are so proud of Billy and everything he has achieved in his time with us. He will be an amazing asset to any team.
Groundwork Employability & Engagement Coach, Sophie Paton said: “It has been so lovely to see Billy develop his confidence and show everyone what an amazing young person he is. He has put so much effort into his Traineeship and fully deserves the opportunity he has been given. We are so proud of Billy and everything he has achieved in his time with us. He will be an amazing asset to any team.”
Groundwork’s Senior Conservation Officer, Joe Darby said: “I’ve loved working alongside Billy. He is enthusiastic, a quick learner and a team player. I think he has a great career ahead of him and wish him every success for the future.”
Billy says “I feel like a completely different person compared to just a few months ago. I’m more confident in my own abilities and more positive about trying new things and meeting new people. I’m really excited about what the future might hold and still have to pinch myself when I think about what I’ve achieved in such a short space of time.”