The Community Legacy Project renovates properties and spaces that are empty or in disrepair across Wales, reducing the effects of anti-social behaviour, crime and vandalism and the detrimental impact this has on our local communities. In doing so, the project provides skill-development opportunities for a range of individuals from different backgrounds.
Through supporting the property renovation activities, these individuals develop a range of employability, construction and enterprise skills, achieve accredited qualifications, experience voluntary work placements and move closer towards accessing sustainable employment or self-employment.
Background
Robert Hewitt and Aaron Harris-Burke were both participants on our Community Legacy Project in Neath during the Summer and Autumn of 2019.
In his 50’s, Robert had been referred by Remploy Cymru following a varied employment history. Rob had a range of trade skills but wanted to use this opportunity to hone his skills whilst learning new trade skills that he could use to maintain his own home, support his friends and access employment in this area.
At 20 years of age, Aaron had been referred to the Community Legacy Project by the Job Centre in Neath following a period of unemployment. Aaron had experienced an unsettled childhood, resulting in him struggling to focus on his school studies. As such, Aaron left school with limited qualifications and a lack of a clear employment pathway and direction. Although, he enjoyed practical activities therefore felt that learning trade skills would support him to access employment.
Journey
Rob and Aaron began their project journey in August 2019, attending on the days that they were available, allowing them to combine their learning with other commitments, such as family considerations and JCP appointments.
It quickly became apparent to our project staff that Rob was a calm, skilled and diligent participant, whilst Aaron was showing a real motivation to learn new skills in a range of trades. They were both committed to the project and were keen to learn as much as possible.
As time progressed, Rob began taking on a mentoring role for Aaron, supporting and guiding him to develop the skills he was learning from our project staff. Both Rob and Aaron greatly benefited from this peer mentoring approach to learning. Aaron became more comfortable and confident in trying out the new skills he was learning, asking Rob for guidance as he progressed. Whilst the peer mentor role allowed Rob to build his own self-confidence, growing into the role and becoming a natural in supporting Aaron to learn.
Next Steps
Both Rob and Aaron epitomize what can be achieved by people with different ambitions engaging with our projects. Following this period of skill development Aaron plans to continue his progress through securing employment in the construction industry. Whilst Rob plans to begin a period of self-employment, utilising the skills, both trade skills and supervisory skills, developed through the Community Legacy Project.
