Community Legacy
The Community Legacy Project purchases and renovates properties that are empty or in disrepair across Wales, reducing the effects of anti-social behaviour, crime and vandalism and the detrimental impact this has on our local communities.
In doing so, the project provides skill development opportunities for individuals from a wide range of backgrounds. Through supporting the property renovation activities, these individuals improve their health and well-being, develop their confidence and motivation, learn new skills, achieve accredited qualifications, experience voluntary work placements and move closer towards accessing sustainable employment or self-employment.
“I enjoyed learning new skills and the company of others. I’m not the type to naturally socialise and engage with others, therefore this project has been really helpful in making me more confident.”
Background
After leaving school at 16, Nathan participated in a Work Based Learning Traineeship programme, culminating in the achievement of the City & Guilds Level 1 in Basic Construction Skills. At the end of the traineeship Nathan hoped to secure an Apprenticeship however was informed there wasn’t enough work.
Nathan then attended Merthyr College for two years where he achieved a Level 2 Carpentry in May 2018. In order to progress to Level 3, Nathan again needed to secure an Apprenticeship. He approached numerous construction companies and trades people however was constantly informed that he needed to hold the CSCS Card and have employment experience.
Disappointed, Nathan joined the Inspire2Work programme in Merthyr Tydfil where he attended numerous courses in order to try and build upon his experience. However, nothing was aligned to his future ambitions of working in the construction industry.
Journey
When Nathan became aware of the Community Legacy Project he attended with his Inspire2Work Support Worker as he was extremely nervous.
However, after meeting the project staff and the other participants he quickly became more comfortable and settled into the project well.
Nathan threw himself into the project and enjoyed learning a range of new skills, including plastering, painting, tiling, kitchen fitting and block-work, whilst also being able to demonstrate his excellent carpentry skills.
Nathan demonstrated his newly-found confidence by appearing on an ITV Wales News feature regarding the project during November 2018.
Next Steps
The project supported Nathan to improve his confidence in order to access employment. By taking part in the project, developing construction experience and achieving the Health & Safety Awareness qualification and CSCS card, Nathan was successful in acquiring a Carpentry Apprenticeship.
