Violet – Construction Short Course

Violet attended a Construction multi skill group which finished on the 19th September 2018, she was the only female in a group of 5.

Violet travelled to Darlington from Richmond using public transport every day, she was punctual and always on time for the start of the class.  Violet was passionate about completing the qualifications and gaining employment in this sector.

Violet was very quiet to start with but grew in confidence as the course progressed.  Violet was a team player she supported other peers resulting in all the group being successful in achieving their qualifications.  Violet interacted with everybody in the centre and was a pleasure to engage with as a learner, she was very hands on and eager to learn, demonstrating strong abilities particularly in decorating such as: cutting in, rolling and painting by brush and roller, painting by oil and using water-based products.

Violet was challenged by completing a live project to paint the academy classroom which is not part of the course. Here she received extra support and feedback, she was extremely eager to be part of this and complete the task. Violet’s brickwork also excelled, particularly in relation to difficult sections.  Violet received feedback from Optimum Skills Director Steve Kirsopp who commented on the quality of her work.  Violet was further challenged to build a stretcher wall using a string line to fill in the void. She relished the challenge and was motivated and confident in her ability to produce a quality product for the finished wall.

Violet successfully passed CSCS card, Health and Safety Level 1 and PSD level 2.  Violet is currently looking for an Apprenticeship vacancy with the support of Optimum Skills. Violet commented she is now more confident in her manual skills and feels this will help her gain employment and even work as a self-employed decorator in the future.  Violet hopes to use the CSCS card to travel to Australia once she gains more experience. Violet aims to complete an apprenticeship, so she can gain citizenship as she has friends who live in Australia and she would like to relocate over there.