Aged 17 years old, Jayden knew he wanted a career for himself and to progress initially looking into electrician apprenticeships, having moved south with his uncle. At first, Jayden was doing odd jobs such as working as a tree surgeon, but knew he always wanted to get into construction. And had pure determination and enthusiasm to make that aspiration a reality.
He came to The Shore Group looking for support with his career - work placements, advice and a solid pathway. Taking on his first job in demolition work in Worthing, before the opportunity arose at Osborne for a work experience placement, little did he know that this would lead him to his current position as a trainee site manager.
Having started on a smaller site, Jayden always pictured what it would be like working on a major site project. Now working with Osborne, that’s exactly the experience he’s getting.
“It’s nice to be on a big site as I remember when I started working, I wasn’t on a BIG BIG site so I never really knew that until I came here, and I was like OKAY like this is the big site so yeah it’s good.”
The journey to get here involved many different hurdles and opportunities which all supported and built on Jayden’s experience in construction. “I was working, then I came to Osborne to do some work experience whilst I was working and now, I’m back here full time”. No one’s journey is a straight road and Jayden’s persistence is the real reason why he got to where he wanted to be.
Discussing what he is doing now: “Site manager trainee, help on block A on-site, help the guys with what they need to do, it’s basically a good learning environment for me.”
The lack of opportunity and contacts can be overwhelming for some young people looking to get into construction. When you add in the need for a CSCS card, the barriers can feel insurmountable.
Jayden talks about the support he received to help with this predicament: “The Shore Group guided me the right way into where I needed to be hence the position i’m in now. I was 17 when I got in contact with them. Even though I had my CSCS card I couldn’t get on to site. So, with their help contacting so many different people and having so many contacts, they got me into a position where I could actually get some work.”
Jayden’s determination doesn’t just stop at getting his opportunity at Osborne, he discusses what his next steps might look like going forward “I’m helping around and just seeing…but if they like you and they want to take you on then they might put me through college and university and that’s when I get my site manager qualification.”
We are sure there will be much more to report on Jayden’s story going forward as this is just the start of his construction career. Representing how if you really want it, you can make it happen. Sometimes just need the backing to get you in the right place at the right time.
Fostering youth employment is fundamental for all businesses and communities. The Shore Group is committed to empowering and supporting young individuals in exploring and shaping their futures. We offer a range of opportunities, from work experience in our office to fostering growth through our strong partnerships on-site.
Jayden speaks about how business partnerships, in this instance our partnership with Osbourne was instrumental for his own progression. “I’m definitely glad, The Shore Group put me in the right spot for the opportunity they gave me…I feel like because The Shore Group and Osborne have a connection together, it’s a very good connection…they can get people straight into the company, and it’s very good and helpful. I feel personally it helped me a lot…I feel like it does help the youth.”
If you are seeking career support, we invite you to reach out to our Hove HQ at 01273 465636 or email us at office@theshoregroup.co.uk. We are here to support you in turning your life around, just as we have done for countless individuals. Creating pathways to fuller opportunities.