Building a New Future with The Skills Centre

Location Southwark Read Time 3 minutes

After spending three years as a stay-at-home mum and previously working in education, Barbera Matthews decided it was time for a new beginning. Eager for a career change and drawn to the construction industry, she sought an opportunity that would equip her with the technical skills, industry knowledge, and confidence needed to transition successfully. Not even Barbera would have predicted that a chance encounter at Canada Water Library, with an understanding stranger, would lead to the career change she had been searching for.

Where did you find out about The Skills Centre?

I first found out about The Skills Centre through a chance conversation at Canada Water Library. I was speaking to a woman there about my interest in starting a career in construction. She listened, understood my passion, and referred me directly to The Skills Centre. It felt like a turning point someone finally pointing me towards a real opportunity that aligned with where I wanted to go.

What did you particularly like/enjoy about your bootcamp?

The whole Bootcamp experience was incredibly positive from start to finish. One of the standout moments for me was the site visit to Old Kent Road with HG Construction. It gave me a clear, real-world insight into the various roles available on a construction site, the pace and professionalism expecting, and the working environment. It helped me to visualise myself in that space, doing that work, and it confirmed that this was the right path for me. The training was hands-on, well structured, and delivered in a way that made it both informative and empowering.

Have you got any advice for someone who wants to do the programme?

My biggest piece of advice to anyone thinking about joining the programme is: come with an open mind. This is a fantastic opportunity, especially now with all the regeneration happening locally. There’s a real demand for skilled people, and this programme can help you take advantage of that. Be willing to learn, ask questions, and put yourself out there, you’ll be surprised how much you get back.

The training was hands-on, well structured, and delivered in a way that made it both informative and empowering.

Now that you have completed your programme, how will the qualifications benefit you?

Now that I’ve completed the programme, I feel much more confident and knowledgeable. One of the key takeaways for me has been the awareness around sustainability and energy efficiency in homes. Learning how construction can contribute to reducing energy waste and building greener communities was both eye-opening and inspiring. These qualifications haven’t just opened doors to job opportunities they’ve also helped me grow personally, giving me a deeper understanding of the wider impact of the work that we do.

What made you want to take part in the programme?

Before starting the programme, I had spent the past three years as a stay-at-home mum. I’d previously worked in education, but I knew I wanted to make a real change and pursue a new career in construction. I also knew that for me to transition successfully, I needed to learn the technical skills, gain industry knowledge, and rebuild my confidence. My goal going into this was simple: to secure employment. And I’m so proud to say that I’ve achieved that, and I’m now working on a six-month contract with HG Construction as a Social Value Construction Worker. It’s a massive step forward and one I wouldn’t have been able to take without this course.

These qualifications haven’t just opened doors to job opportunities they’ve also helped me grow personally, giving me a deeper understanding of the wider impact of the work that we do.

After completing the programme, what is your overall impression of your experience, and how would you summarise it?

The entire experience has been invaluable. I can’t thank Kevin and the team at The Skills Centre enough. They were incredibly supportive every step of the way, from initial sign-up to securing my placement. This programme didn’t just give me qualifications it gave me confidence, direction and a new career. I would wholeheartedly recommend it to anyone looking to take that first step into the construction industry.

As Barbera shared, she is now working on a six-month contract with HG Construction as a Social Value Construction Worker. We are incredibly proud of her hard work so far, and are looking forward to continuing to follow her on her journey into construction.