Building a New Future with The Skills Centre

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. 

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. 

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. 

How are you finding your new role at the moment?

Flexible, no two days are ever the same. I get to meet lots of new people, at a different location every day. I am able to manage my own schedule and am finding ways to be creative in my new role. 

What are your goals for the future?

I would like to progress into the management side of social value within the construction industry. 

Reflecting on your time at The Skills Centre, how do you feel about it?

My biggest takeaway was the support that I was given. I was given lots of flexibility to sort out my childcare around the course. The Skills Centre diversified the careers advice around what I was interested in, they didn't just force me to look into traditional construction roles (e.g. Labouring). They were very patient with me and always answered my questions. 

On Tuesday June 24th Barbera was invited to The Earls Court Skills Centre to take part in a visit from DWP Minister for Transformation Andrew Western, as he signed a new agreement with the CITB that would see more than 40,000 industry placements funded. 

Reflecting on the experience, Barbera said "A particularly humbling moment was being interviewed by Andrew Western MP, Parliamentary Under-Secretary at the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP). During the interview, I shared my journey into construction, one that began when I was unemployed and seeking a career change." 

She also joined us the next day for the opening of the Green Plant Training Academy at The Earls Court Skills Centre. 

"As a former learner at The Skills Centre, I was honoured to be selected as a panel speaker during the event. Alongside other alumni, I shared my personal journey into the construction industry reflecting on the barriers I overcame and the support that empowered me to thrive. It was an excellent opportunity to showcase how targeted training, and inclusive programmes can change lives. Engaging directly with industry professionals an sharing the stage with like-minded individuals was both humbling and empowering." 

As Barbera shared, she is now working on a six-month contract with HG Construction as a Social Value Construction Worker. We have no doubt that she is going to go on to have a hugely successful career, and we hope she is able to continue inspiring women into construction, demonstrating the range of roles available and the breadth of opportunity that awaits.