The only way is up for 20-year-old Ky Shaw who has been able to
turn his life around after landing an apprenticeship while
building one of Birmingham's newest skyscrapers.
Ky, from Dudley, was determined to put himself onto a better path
in life after having a difficult time at school and getting into
trouble with the police.
Now, thanks to a Skills Centre Hub funded by the West Midlands
Combined Authority (WMCA), Ky has been able to get a job as a
hoist driver with the principal contractor John Sisk & Son at
the Moda Living project on Great Charles Street.
And, after Project Director Steve Rogers saw Ky's potential, he
is set to start a plumbing apprenticeship working on the
39-storey tower.
Ky said, “I always found it hard to settle and concentrate in a
classroom environment and preferred more hands-on learning in
subjects such as Physical Education and engineering. My behaviour
got me kicked out of school and meant I moved around various
secondary schools.
“I got myself into trouble with the police and that was when I
realised this was not the way forward.
“Starting with Sisk changed my life for the better as I have been
able to learn while doing practical work and earning a living.
“Securing a plumbing apprenticeship really is a dream for me and
I believe that getting on this pathway has kept me out of prison.
“In the future I want to upskill further, become a project
manager or supervisor and hopefully one day have my own
construction business - the only way is up.”
, Mayor of the West Midlands
said, “Tackling youth unemployment and upskilling our workforce
are key priorities for our region. The Skills Centre Hub is
helping people like Ky develop the skills they need to get into
the construction industry and get their careers off to the best
possible start.
“Ky is an inspiration to other young people to get themselves the
skills to thrive. He has turned his life around by grabbing the
opportunity to learn, supported by people who have been quick to
recognise his potential and give him a chance.
“For many young people like Ky this isn't about giving them a
second chance, it's about giving them the first chance they've
ever had to thrive.”
Steve Rogers, Project Director for Sisk, said, “Ky has
demonstrated how someone can turn their life around when they're
given the chance. He's been fantastic here at the Great Charles
Street project.”
Karl Johnson, Social Value and Stakeholder Manager for Sisk,
added, “Ky, is an example of the ethos that we have at Sisk of
the development of individuals, upskilling them, helping them
obtain the skill set, experience and qualifications that they
need to work within the construction industry.
“Working in collaboration with the WMCA and The Skills Centre
enables us to do this and enhance opportunities for local people.
“We are delighted to offer Ky and others the opportunity to gain
opportunities within construction and that is not just specific
to trades.”
The WMCA has awarded £100,000 of its adult skills budget to Sisk
to run the Skills Centre hub at the Great Charles Street site,
offering local people free construction training and a guaranteed
job interview at the end of the 20-day course.
The Moda Living development, on land nicknamed the bomb site
after standing derelict since the end of World War II, is
creating around 470 new jobs. These include jobs from the skills
hub which aims to maximise employment and training opportunities
for local people.
The development, designed by Ryder Architecture, will provide 722
homes for rent, with a range of one, two and three-bed
apartments, as well as resident amenities including a gym and
cinema room. It will feature three blocks, ranging in height from
six to 39 stories. Completion is due in Summer 2025.
The Skills Centre Hub involves the WMCA working alongside
partners at the Birmingham City Council Employment Access Team,
Sisk, the National Careers Service, the Construction Industry
Training Board (CITB), Jobcentre Plus and the Department of Work
and Pensions.
