I’ve always been excited about working with my hands instead of sitting down in an office. So I want to become a fully qualified tradesman. I have friends that used to be in my situation and have now done well for themselves. I am very inspired by their success - they've motivated me to progress my own career as well!
I became homeless when I stopped my education and was too old to receive continued support from social services. I couldn't earn enough at the time to cover my rent in London, which was just too high. I had to sofa surf with friends and family for a while, but their places got too overcrowded. During that time, I felt like it was the end of the road for me, and that there was nowhere left to go for me as a young person. Eventually, the council helped me into a hostel.
This is when I was finally more settled again and things started to improve. My support worker helped me start off my career. The hostel paid for my CSCS card and I went straight into work as a labourer. On site, I met colleagues that were carpenters and they advised me that it is a good trade with a lot of work out there.
I am really looking forward to starting my training in carpentry. I want to learn all about the tools and how to use them, especially some of the unique power tools. Getting skilled up will also allow me to earn a better wage and move out from the hostel into my own place. In a few years, I see myself owning my own van and tools, and working for a well-known carpentry company.