Consortia approach - Management Trainee employed by local construction company as a direct result of Integrate member's commitment to targeted recruitment and training

 As a direct result of securing contracts with a number of Integrate housing association members, one of Wales' largest independently owned construction companies Jehu Project Services has recruited local lad Kieran, from Fairwater Cardiff, as their latest management trainee.

Above: Management Trainee Kieran will be working on a number of sites across the Integrate consortia, including Newydd Housing Association’s site in Barry where he will assist with the refurbishment of a previous derelict building to provide 9 new affordable rental apartments.

Founded by Jack Jehu in the early 1930's, Jehu is now one of Wales largest independently owned construction companies. Working on a number of new build and refurbishment contacts with Cadwyn Housing Association, Coastal Housing Group and Newydd Housing Association, Jehu were required to provide job and training opportunities as a core contractual requirement, giving back to the local community.

The prospect of working for an award winning contractor on a paid management traineeship attracted over fifty applicants, including tenants, Working Links clients, college students and a number of young people who were not in employment education or training. Kieran successful made it through the recruitment process, shining throughout at both interview and work trial stage where he spent a day on a live site finding out more about the position. From a young age Kieran knew he wanted a career in the construction industry, inspired by his father who has his own bricklaying business. Starting out as a general site labourer, Kieran progressed to become a Bricklayer which gave him the opportunity to gain his NVQ immediately after leaving school.  Representing his college in an advanced brickwork competition for the Guild of Bricklayers, Kieran came 2^nd place in Wales and top 5 in Britain! Kieran will spend time with the QS, estimating and construction departments developing his understanding of site documentation and processes, whilst actively promoting and achieving a high standard of health and safety at all times.  Keen to progress onto an HNC followed by an undergraduate degree in Construction Management, Kieran hopes to complete his second year Site Management OCN this year, ready to progress onto the next step of his career with support and funding from Jehu.  

To date, the Intergrate project has leveraged 388 employment and training opportunities totaling over 17,000 job and training weeks through adopting a core approach to community benefits to maximise the impact of the welsh pound through the Integrate Project.