This young person joined Yep! in September 2024, with CSW Yep! Team supported by his Adviser Jane.  He had been out of education for a year and had previously found school a difficult environment.  He spoke about having mixed with the wrong people, but had decided to change that, which showed real resilience and strength of character, but also made him isolated, lacking confidence and motivation.

He wanted a better future for himself and was interested in gaining a CSCS card and work experience to gain work in the construction industry.  He had been let down in the past with support which had a negative effect on his mental health.

His mum felt it was important that he gained some work experience and training.  Jane found a programme where he could gain some hands-on experience in construction and gain a CSCS card at the end of the Multi-skills Construction course with TST.  This would involve a long journey each day, so to move forward he would need to make a real commitment. Jane and the young person visited TST to look at the construction area to get a feel for the centre. TST agreed that they would be able to collect him from local train station, but this meant a very early start and a long commute.  He was adamant that he would be able to manage the commute and was desperate to change his situation, so was keen to gain a place on the course.

He has now been attending for several months, getting up early 3 days a week and engaging well on the course.  TST have feedback that he is thriving!  He was not keen to do his Maths and English which is a requirement of the course but agreed to give it a go.  A reflection of his commitment to making positive changes to his life.

He is gaining multi-skills experience, training, his CSCS Card, in addition to qualifications in Maths and English.  He is also learning important skills like time management, teamwork and workplace expectations.  He has gained confidence, motivation, pride in his achievements so far and made new friends.  This routine and structure have helped improve his mental health and given him a clear pathway to his goal.