Khalid Mahmood, a 29 yr old father of two lives in Belfield Rochdale. An Economics graduate from Mirpur University, Azad Kashmir, he migrated to England in 2001 in search of better opportunities. However, Khalid struggled to enter the labour market and only found temporary work in factories and warehouses, having previously worked for Minky Textiles & Woodbridge Foam.
In early 2006, he went through a period of unemployment and found it difficult to secure work. Having held a long-term ambition to work in the building industry, he was encouraged by a friend to take-up a 12-week waged plastering and tiling course with the Building Trades Agency, Rochdale. Khalid excelled on the course and was soon practising his new found trowel skills on void council properties, plastering ceilings and walls. Upon completion of the course he found it difficult to secure employment in the trade and registered with J21. J21 commenced the process of preparing Khalid for an adult apprenticeship. He was placed on a day-release Intermediate Construction Award in plastering with MANCAT, CSCS card testing with The Oldham College and prepared him for a job interview with First Choice Homes Oldham (FCHO), for the position of an apprentice plasterer, which Khalid successfully secured. In the absence of LSC funding, J21 funded the cost of Khalid's training through the Neighbourhood Renewal Fund, to ensure Khalid had an equal opportunity to secure an apprenticeship, which are otherwise normally restricted to16-18 yr olds.
Comments
Khalid:
“I'm gaining lots of experience undertaking repair work on council houses. My supervisor is a brilliant role model, he's highly skilled and teaches me well, showing me all the tricks of the trade; I get 1-day off a week to attend college and will hopefully achieve my NVQ level 2 by end of next year. My supervisor
at the BTA believed in me and provided lots of encouragement. J21 continued this commitment, putting together a package of support which included securing me a place at college, helping me through my health & safety test, linking me to a Job Centre Plus advisor, providing interview skills and eventually helped me to secure a job with First Choice Homes Oldham. They continue to support me and whenever I have any difficulties they're just a phone-call away.”
Employer:
“The newly formed partnership with J21 has enabled us to target a diverse range of residents of mixed ages, skills and abilities. Recruiting adult apprentices is unusual for us, and in Khalid's case we found someone who relished the opportunity and demonstrates his passion on a day-day basis. He is
100% reliable and very hard working; we aim to build on the partnership with J21 and create many more employment opportunities for local people, in particular underrepresented groups such as women and BMEs.”
Diane Thompson - Repair Services
Manager, First Choice Homes
Oldham