United Living Wales inspires young people to consider a career in construction

A construction company specialising in new builds, United Living Wales, visited ACT’s learners in the Aberdare Skills Centre last month to encourage more young people to consider a career in construction. 

Jonathan Phillips, United Living Wales and the South West Site Manager, shared his own experience of the construction industry with 16-18 year olds who are all undergoing a Traineeship programme at ACT, Wales leading training provider.   

Learners on a vocational Traineeship programme gain a nationally recognised qualification, vital work experience and a wage whilst they are learning.

Rhys Bateman, 16 and from Aberdare, is considering a career in construction and is one of the six learners at ACT Aberdare Skills Centre who met Jonathan.  He said: “I thought the information he gave was very helpful. I am on a construction placement with CWT Home Improvements and I feel it has helped give me a plan for my future”.

Jonathan Phillips has recently become a Construction Ambassador at United Living Wales and part of his role is to network within the local community and encourage and inspire the next generation of construction workers. 

Coming from Aberdare himself and already in a Site Manager role at the age of 28, Jonathan was an excellent role model for the learners. Jonathan painted an exciting picture of not only his day-to-day role working for United Living, but also shared what motivated him and why construction is a good career choice with opportunities for all.

ACT Aberdare Skills Centre Manager, Jonathan Ridout, said: “It’s really important for our learners to engage with local employers to find out what employment opportunities are available to them. I was thrilled that Jonathan from United Living Wales came speak to the learners and shared his experience of the construction industry. He was really engaging and inspiring and the learners asked him lots of questions.”