15th July 2016
Long-term unemployed father of two, Rockey Donoghue, 23, from Rainham, has launched a new career with a major player in the Construction sector thanks to a Traineeship at Barking & Dagenham College.
Rockey started the three-month Traineeship in spring 2016, and on day two of his work experience placement with Getjar Ltd was offered a job and an Apprenticeship. He is currently working on a 15 storey commercial office development in the City of London which is due for completion in early 2018 by main contractor Sir Robert McAlpine. Rockey will start his Apprenticeship in September, combining his on-site role with Formwork Carpentry training at Barking & Dagenham College.
Rockey, who was a job-seeker for almost 2 years, heard about the opportunity to learn new skills through Jobcentre Plus.
“As soon as I heard about the Traineeship in Formwork Carpentry I knew it was for me,” he explained, “My new skills have opened up a new career. I love working as part of a team and being outside. Every day is different, the money’s good and everything about my life has changed for the better.”
“A Traineeship really can lead to a job” he added, “and I would encourage anyone to jump at the opportunity.”
Terry Hall, Formwork Carpentry Lecturer at Barking & Dagenham College, added,
“Formwork Carpentry skills are essential to any large concrete-built development such as the Shard and the Olympic Stadium. Current demand for these skills is out-pacing supply. It is also an ageing workforce, as skilled Construction Site Carpenters are not being replaced by pipeline of new young talent. As the only College in London offering both Traineeships and Apprenticeships in Formwork Carpentry, this is an amazing opportunity for people, just like Rockey, to launch their careers.”
Gary Roberts, Training Manager for Masterson Holdings Limited, owners of Getjar Ltd, added,
“Rockey is one of two trainees to whom we have offered Apprenticeships recently, and we were very impressed with both their attitude and enthusiasm. Rockey has shown willingness to get stuck in with the team and has set a good example for others to follow.
“Getjar is very pleased to give opportunities to young and enthusiastic trainees, with the hope they will someday run their own projects for us. Rockey is one such person, and with the guidance of our Project Manager Fiachra McGee, he has an excellent start in his chosen career. We would like to thank Barking & Dagenham College for establishing an excellent Formwork Traineeship and to Simon Leek from Sir Robert McAlpine who has been instrumental in encouraging Apprenticeships on this project.”
