Dylan Beedie
Dylan Beedie
19th August 2015Training Course/ Placement Attended
Initially I started with the Community Enteprise on the School Programme which helped to support me in the move from school to the workplace I had the chance to be involved in working outside having a taster of soft landscaping, building maintenance and learned about the safe moving and loading of equipment and materials. As part of my induction I had training in manual handling and also was able to practice for my CSCS card.
When I left the school I started the ALBA Construction programme at the Community Enterprise. When I was on the construction programme I also attended Forth Valley College: Construction Crafts one day a week where I developed skills for the construction industry like joinery, painting and decorating, plumbing and I gained the SQA Certificate in Health and Safety in a Construction Environment. When I was at the college our trainer came with us and was there to help and support us with the tasks. My trainer taught me how to use equipment safely and I learned how to mono block, kerb, how to lay foundations, basic bricklaying and I passed my abrasive wheels training.
Towards the end of the construction course I was progressed to the Personal Development Stage 2 course which lasted for 12 weeks. I worked 1 day a week on my course work and on the other 4 days I attended work experience within the Community Enterprise Contracts squad. After this stage was finished it was decided that I would benefit from progressing to the next stage, the Personal Development Stage 3 course where I was able to get work experience on a construction site in Stirling, get help applying for jobs and creating my CV. I gained a lot of skills on site and it helped me to make a decision about exactly where I wanted to work now that I had a chance to try it. I enjoyed the site work but didn’t think it was right for me.
I was then given a lot of help to apply for apprenticeships and to prepare for my interview. I was able to secure an apprenticeship I had previously applied for because my mentor suggested that I should call back the employers I had sent my CV to find out if there were any vacancies available. It turned out that one of the employers was looking for an apprentice and I was offered the job. I completed all my coursework and successfully achieved both my SQA awards and passed my CSCS test.
Why did you decide to get involved with Stirling Community Enterprise?
I was encouraged by school to attend the School Transition Programme at the Community Enterprise as I was unsure about exactly what I wanted to do when I left school.
Can you describe your Stirling Community Enterprise Experience?
I enjoyed my time at the Community Enteprise. All the courses were really good and I gained work experience and certificates.
What were the highlights of your experience?
Getting practical skills and work experience.
Were there any surprises?
I enjoyed the practical skills and work experience.
What did you gain from your Training/ Placement?
- SQA Personal Development SCQF Level 3
- SQA Personal Development SCQF Level 4
- CSCS Labourers Card
- SQA Health and Safety in a Construction Environment
- Emergency First Aid
- Defibrillator User
- Site Induction
- On site work experience
- Employability Skills
- CV Management
My attitude towards work changed for the better.
Has your Training/ Placement influenced any future career plans?
Didn’t really know what I wanted to do but knew wanted a trade and it gave tasters in different trades.
What advice would you give students considering becoming involved with Stirling Community Enterprise?
Get involved!