Young learner from Dudley shares how construction job changed his life for the better

The only way is up for 20-year-old Ky Shaw who has been able to turn his life around after landing an apprenticeship while building one of Birmingham’s newest skyscrapers.

Ky, from Dudley, was determined to put himself onto a better path in life after having a difficult time at school and getting into trouble with the police.

Now, thanks to a Skills Centre Hub funded by the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA), Ky has been able to get a job as a hoist driver with the principal contractor John Sisk & Son at the Moda Living project on Great Charles Street.

And, after Project Director Steve Rogers saw Ky’s potential, he is set to start a plumbing apprenticeship working on the 39-storey tower.

Ky said, “I always found it hard to settle and concentrate in a classroom environment and preferred more hands-on learning in subjects such as Physical Education and engineering. My behaviour got me kicked out of school and meant I moved around various secondary schools.

“I got myself into trouble with the police and that was when I realised this was not the way forward.

“Starting with Sisk changed my life for the better as I have been able to learn while doing practical work and earning a living.

“Securing a plumbing apprenticeship really is a dream for me and I believe that getting on this pathway has kept me out of prison.

“In the future I want to upskill further, become a project manager or supervisor and hopefully one day have my own construction business - the only way is up.”

Richard Parker, Mayor of the West Midlands said, “Tackling youth unemployment and upskilling our workforce are key priorities for our region. The Skills Centre Hub is helping people like Ky develop the skills they need to get into the construction industry and get their careers off to the best possible start.

“Ky is an inspiration to other young people to get themselves the skills to thrive. He has turned his life around by grabbing the opportunity to learn, supported by people who have been quick to recognise his potential and give him a chance.

“For many young people like Ky this isn’t about giving them a second chance, it’s about giving them the first chance they’ve ever had to thrive.”

Steve Rogers, Project Director for Sisk, said, “Ky has demonstrated how someone can turn their life around when they’re given the chance. He’s been fantastic here at the Great Charles Street project.”

Karl Johnson, Social Value and Stakeholder Manager for Sisk, added, “Ky, is an example of the ethos that we have at Sisk of the development of individuals, upskilling them, helping them obtain the skill set, experience and qualifications that they need to work within the construction industry.

“Working in collaboration with the WMCA and The Skills Centre enables us to do this and enhance opportunities for local people.

“We are delighted to offer Ky and others the opportunity to gain opportunities within construction and that is not just specific to trades.”

The WMCA has awarded £100,000 of its adult skills budget to Sisk to run the Skills Centre hub at the Great Charles Street site, offering local people free construction training and a guaranteed job interview at the end of the 20-day course.

The Moda Living development, on land nicknamed the bomb site after standing derelict since the end of World War II, is creating around 470 new jobs. These include jobs from the skills hub which aims to maximise employment and training opportunities for local people.

The development, designed by Ryder Architecture, will provide 722 homes for rent, with a range of one, two and three-bed apartments, as well as resident amenities including a gym and cinema room. It will feature three blocks, ranging in height from six to 39 stories. Completion is due in Summer 2025.

The Skills Centre Hub involves the WMCA working alongside partners at the Birmingham City Council Employment Access Team, Sisk, the National Careers Service, the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB), Jobcentre Plus and the Department of Work and Pensions.