Two of my older brothers worked as electricians, so I have been pulling cables since the age of 9! Even back then, I always wanted to become a fully qualified electrician and have the skills to make things work perfectly. I know that I can work hard to make a good life.
3 years ago I moved to London from Portugal to find work. I began working with construction and hospitality agencies on zero hour contracts. Without stable hours I found it hard to pay rent, but managed to get by for a while. When I lost my job at the start of 2019 I became homeless. With no job, no money, and no family, I felt alone and like my life was in ruins.
Thank goodness that in the UK there are plenty of charities and people who give their time and money to help the homeless and tackle the problem from the roots. Charities and day centres supported me by providing places to stay and meals. Then, Thames Reach referred me to Beam. I have some skills and experience in construction, but I don’t have the right qualifications to get a job as an electrician yet. I just need the help to take my first steps and then I will be able to walk on my own.
With my electrician qualifications I will be more knowledgeable and get a stable job with an ethical company. Once I’m there, I can’t wait to exceed my employers’ expectations, have a place to call home and be able to host my friends. I'm really looking forward to the time when my life is at ease without pressure, worries or pain. I know I will soon get there.