Warwick Allkin, 34, from the Ammanford/Llanelli area, had been unemployed for several years before he got the chance to participate in the South West Wales Onsite Hub programme which is funded by the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB). The scheme gave him the opportunity to gain practical onsite construction experience, which he hoped would lead to employment. Prior to this, Warwick had been struggling with the loss of a family member to suicide and had become disengaged with work.

During his time on the programme, Warwick was placed with T.A.D Builders in Llanelli at their Caegar site. Despite facing challenging weather conditions, with constant heavy rainfall throughout his 10-day placement, Warwick worked as a groundworker carrying out duties outdoors without ever making excuses or taking a day off.

Warwick's hard work and dedication paid off and his placement with T.A.D Builders proved to be a great success. As a result, he was offered a job as a General Operative with the company following his placement. His main duties now include opening and closing the site, general cleaning, and ensuring the barriers are secure for pedestrian walkways. Warwick has since expressed a keen interest in upskilling and progressing within the industry. Specifically, he would like to learn to drive excavators and dumpers, with the ultimate goal of becoming a machine operative.

When asked about his experience, Warwick shared that he was attracted to the construction industry because of the possibility of a job at the end of the placement. He heard about the opportunity through the job centre/Hub and was interested in gaining practical onsite experience. During his placement, Warwick learned specific skills such as working in a team environment and communicating with a variety of stakeholders, including T.A.D’s management and the other tradespeople and staff working at the site.

Warwick credits Anthony, a T.A.D Groundworker who he was paired up with during his placement, for helping him pursue a job opportunity with the site manager Josh Kinnear. Anthony's help and guidance has continued while working for T.A.D, and Warwick is very grateful for the opportunity to have gained employment. He has also thanked Cyfle Training Coordinator, Charlotte Griffiths, for helping to provide the Onsite Hub placement which has made such a significant difference to his life – providing him with a job that pays and enables him to participate in more social activities.

Speaking about Warwick’s success, Charlotte Griffiths said:

“Warwick doesn't drive, and in order to get to site he had to walk to a pick-up point each morning to get his lift, which meant leaving his house at 7am. During his 10 days on site, the weather was torrential, and being a groundworker meant that his duties were outside; however, he never made excuses or called in sick. I'm really proud that he's gained employment following his placement, this was the opportunity that he needed to turn his life around.”

Warwick's success story demonstrates the potential of apprenticeships and practical onsite experience in helping individuals like him radically change their lives. Warwick's perseverance and dedication, along with the support and guidance of T.A.D Builders, has helped him achieve his goals and gain meaningful employment. As such, Warwick highly recommends practical onsite experience as a route into the industry for others.

Josh Kinnear, Site Manager, T.A.D Builders, said:

"We're delighted to welcome Warwick as part of our team at T.A.D Builders. The Onsite Hub programme has provided an excellent opportunity for him to gain practical experience and develop his skills in the construction industry. Warwick's positive attitude and willingness to learn have been admirable, and we're looking forward to seeing him progress within the company."