Solihull College student Darren Rea has successfully secured a job with Construction Company Thomas Vale who is contracted by Bouygues UK.
Darren started at Solihull College in September last year on a 6 week programme where students were given the opportunity to learn skills in the construction field and determine which area they would be particularly interested in. Darren knew he wanted to have a career in the construction industry and he then gained a particular interest in bricklaying whilst on the programme at the College. On completion of the 6 week programme Darren enrolled for the Level 1 qualification in bricklaying at Solihull College, Woodlands Campus.
Darren’s tutor, Joe Farrell, was impressed by the commitment and effort shown throughout from Darren; all of his practical work gained distinctions and Joe stated “Darren is a model student and his skills have and continue to improve. Darren has worked extremely hard throughout the year and everything he has achieved is because of his hard work.”
Joe Farrell was so impressed with Darren’s work that he approached the construction company that is currently working on Solihull College’s new aviation centre, to enquire about any work experience opportunities for Darren. Thomas Vale Construction agreed to allow Darren to work on-site 2 days a week to allow him to gain experience in working in the field. After only a week, Darren was asked to increase his hours and work 5 days a week on-site. Shortly after Darren was then offered a job to work with Thomas Vale Construction full-time. Darren commented “?I’m over the moon. I was a Level 1 student and now I’m employed; I thought it would take a lot longer to find a job in the industry. I’m really happy and it is what I want to do in life. Sometimes you hear negative things about Colleges but Solihull College is really good and it has allowed me to improve. I was guided by an excellent tutor, Joe Farrell.”
Peter Chester, Site Manager for Thomas Vale Construction has been very impressed with Darren commenting “??We take on many apprentices to the company and Darren is a good asset. We are more than happy with his work; he is coming along really well.”?
Darren has done exceptionally well and hopes, in the future, to become self-employed, have his own company and even build his own house. In the meantime Darren is continuing with his training whilst working for Thomas Vale.
For opportunities in Construction at Solihull College visit www.solihull.ac.uk or call 0121 678 7000.
