What were you doing prior to joining the programme?
Cruz – Working as a warehouse operative.
Connor – Agency work, warehouse work.
John – Plasterer – self employed.
How much did you know about construction/logistics prior to joining the programme?
Cruz – A minimal amount.
Connor – Good understanding, as I have worked in warehouses, worked in goods in and goods out. I have worked as a labourer on a scaffolder site so knew construction sector.
John – Very little.
Why were you interested in the programme?
Cruz – To learn some more skills, and to get a position in the construction/logistics area to see how it works. Also to provide a better future.
Connor – Wanted to get back into constructions, and they said that I will receive usual qualifications that can use on construction sites.
John – I wanted a change and I was bored in my previous role.
Even though these learners have completed their three-week bootcamp with us, that does not mean their journey with The Skills Centre has come to an end. There are a whole range of courses they can participate in to continue to upskill into more specialist roles. Our centre in Essex offers specialised dry lining bootcamps, where the learners develop the specialist skills and knowledge needed for a traineeship or apprenticeship in dry lining, insulation and interior systems. They are also given the opportunity to take on two weeks work experience with our local partners including Measom Dry Lining, Platt and Riley and Stanmore.
Briefly describe the job you are doing now…
Cruz – I am a store operative at the compounds on site, responsible for all the materials that come in and out. I need to ensure the materials are delivered to the correct locations on site.
Connor – Logistics operative, I deal with goods in and goods out, receive deliveries, look after general building maintenance/housekeeping. Deal with most fire signage, testing fire points, dealing with chargehands and other stakeholders.
John – Traffic marshalling – making sure that people are safe, and the compound is clean and tidy. Need to make sure the traffic is flowing safely.
What opportunities has your new job given you?
Cruz – Learning more about the programmes used to order materials, and to build good communication with clients.
Connor – Opportunity to progress within the company, qualifications for the job, good wage. Freedom due to the work pattern.
John – Opportunity to become a traffic marshal, it’s made me more health and safety conscious.
My new role has provided more progression and learning new skills to be able to improve myself. I am gaining different skills, area of work and building relationships. Cruz
Do you enjoy your new role?
Cruz - Yes, I do, because I am dealing with people and materials, and able to communication with different people and learn more about the construction and the project industry.
Connor – Yes, it’s given me the opportunity to meet people, progression and developing my people skills and responsibility.
John - Yes
How does your new role compare to what you were doing before the programme?
Cruz – My new role has provided more progression and learning new skills to be able to improve myself. I am gaining different skills, area of work and building relationships. There is more to learn.
Connor – I’ve learned more about the construction industry, it’s given me more stability and more responsibility in the job role.
John – More relax, enjoyable and less pressure.
What would you like to do next?
Cruz – Keep on progressing and taking opportunities and keep challenging for better in the future. I would like to grow within my role.
Connor – Progress to supervisor and take on more responsibilities.
John – More development and work towards progressing to blue hat (logistics chargehand).
Would you recommend a career in logistics?
Cruz - Yes, because there is progression and training available to gain in order to progress and gain extra skills.
Connor – Yes, company is good and the money is good. There is a big range of job roles in one area.
John – Yes, it can help you meet more people in the logistics industry, and it is challenging which makes it interesting.

Interested in joining this programme?
Our Essex centre provides specialised dry lining bootcamps, where you can gain the essential skills and knowledge required for a traineeship or apprenticeship in dry lining, insulation, and interior systems, and provides the chance to complete a two-week work experience with our local partners, including Measom Dry Lining, Platt and Riley, and Stanmore.
Register Interest