Daniel Jarvis, a young man with an interest in carpentry turned up at the offices of Newport Construction Initiative (NCI) four years ago seeking an apprenticeship. NCI is a local labour in construction project for the City of Newport, and its Project Manager, Bernard Hiscocks, wasted no time in putting Dan forward for a 3 month work experience placement at Mariner’s Quay (Fairlake’s sustainable housing project). Here Dan was mentored by the Construction Youth Trust and experienced his first taste of work on a real construction site, where he learned new skills and the importance of teamwork, communication and hard work.

Dan’s talent shone through as he beat over 60 other applicants to receive one of only eight places available on Construction Youth Trust’s “Real Apprentice” Project. Dan was set real tasks and challenges on a daily basis and working as part of a team, brought Raglan Court, a void property back into use. Dan didn’t win the “Real Apprentice”, but construction and maintenance employers were keen to offer employment opportunities to the runners up.

Seren’s Steps to Work Manager, Kate Aspinwall, said “We wanted to support young people and the Real Apprentice project and were looking for someone with potential, commitment and a good work ethic – Dan had this in bundles so we offered him a Future Jobs Fund placement with Charter Housing’s maintenance team”.

Charter’s Direct Services Manager, Rob Bale, recalled visiting Raglan Court where Dan’s enthusiasm and interest made a firm impression. Rob said, “When you see that sort of drive and commitment, combined with a good level of ability and skill in a young person, you don’t turn it away!”. Dan’s enthusiasm continued to the extent that he has now been offered a three year apprenticeship with Charter and attends college regularly.

Dan has subsequently been nominated for the “Outstanding Achiever Award 2011” at Newport Construction Initiative’s Building a Better Newport event being held on 3 February, a nomination we are proud to support.

The final word from Dan : “I may not have won the Real Apprentice but I have gained a lot of skill and experience and know that I want to do carpentry more than anything. I am so grateful for the training and I’m now one step closer to being qualified. I still have a long way to go, but apprenticeships are so hard to find and I want to thank Charter for helping me fulfil my ambition”.