For Lyzibond, a two-week construction programme has opened the door to a career he hadn’t previously had the chance to explore.

Lyzibond has always been drawn to hands-on work. Through his Drive Forward careers specialist, Janet, he was supported to access opportunities to build his skills and gain experience as he works towards employment.

That support led him to Care to Construction, a two-week pathway developed by Drive Forward Foundation in partnership with the Skills Centre.

The programme was designed as more than a one-off introduction to construction. It forms part of Drive Forward’s wider approach to creating sector-specific pathways, connecting young people with practical experience, recognised training and qualifications, and clear routes towards their next step.

For Lyzibond, it was an opportunity to experience construction for the first time – and find out whether it could be the right career for him.

“I’ve never done this type of work before, so I really enjoyed everything we’ve done.”

Getting hands-on

Over two weeks at the Skills Centre, Lyzibond and the other young people were introduced to different areas of construction and what it takes to work safely and professionally on site.

Alongside practical experience, the group worked towards their Level 1 construction qualification and CSCS test, while developing skills in areas including drylining, waste management, manual handling and health and safety.

For Lyzibond, health and safety was one of his biggest takeaways:

“The most important thing that I learned about construction is health and safety. You’re responsible for other people’s health and safety and yourself.”

But the programme was about more than qualifications. Learning alongside other young people gave the group the opportunity to meet new people, build confidence and get used to the routines and expectations of a professional environment.

John Fenton, Centre Director at the Skills Centre, saw that development first-hand.

“When they come in, most of them don’t know each other,” says John. “They’ve got a lot out of the two weeks.”

Finding his direction

The experience has helped Lyzibond start thinking about where he might want to specialise in the future. He is still exploring the different trades available, but the programme has given him a clearer sense of direction.

“I’m trying to do a lot of stuff in construction, like a lot of different trades, so I know which one I want to focus on. But construction is definitely the career path I want to take.”

For John, helping young people discover what they want – and sometimes what they don’t want – is an important part of the process.

“We’ve definitely seen a rise in confidence,” he says. “Even if they do a course and think, ‘construction is not for me, I want to do something else’, you still help them with their life goals.”

Building towards what comes next

The pathway doesn’t end when the two-week programme finishes. Young people can continue exploring further specialist training, apprenticeships and paid employment, with support from both Drive Forward and the Skills Centre.

For Lyzibond, the next step is to keep exploring the different trades and work out where his interests and skills could take him. He is particularly attracted to the hands-on nature of construction and can already see himself building a future in the industry.

His advice to other young people considering a similar opportunity is simple:

“Just speak openly to everyone and ask as many questions as you can. At the end of the day, we’re all here to learn.”

At the end of the programme, Lyzibond was keen to recognise the support that helped him get there:

“Thanks to Drive Forward and, most importantly, thanks to Janet for putting me on this course.”

Creating pathways together

For Drive Forward and the Skills Centre, Care to Construction is about creating a connected journey: from initial insight and preparation, through practical experience and recognised learning, towards a realistic next opportunity.

John believes partnerships like this can make a real difference:

“These sort of collaborations are a wonderful opportunity for both Drive Forward and the Skills Centre, but more importantly for these young people, to change their lives and put them on a career path.”

For Lyzibond, that journey has already begun.

He may not know exactly which area of construction he wants to specialise in yet, but after two weeks of hands-on experience, new skills and growing confidence, he knows he wants to keep exploring where a career in construction could take him.