This young person was referred to We Are Footprint through Salford Council as a young person classified as NEET (Not in Education, Employment or Training). Prior to connecting with us, he had experienced a prolonged period of unemployment after his first job did not work out.
Without the routine, purpose, and financial stability that employment brings, life quickly became stressful and isolating. The pressure of having no income impacted not only his confidence, but also his ability to socialise and plan ahead with friends and family.
Like many young people in similar circumstances, the lack of structure began to affect his wellbeing. What he needed besides a vacancy was the right opportunity, the right environment, and consistent support.
He joined us through an employment programme delivered within the Morgan Sindall supply chain. As part of the Morgan Sindall supply chain employment programme, Ameon recruited him via We Are Footprint as a NEET candidate looking to establish himself in the construction industry.
From the outset, he demonstrated commitment, reliability, and a strong work ethic. His positive attitude and willingness to learn quickly earned him the respect of those around him and due to his consistent performance and approach to work, we were able to progress him into a new opportunity with one of our key main contractor clients, Caddick, where he continues to thrive.
Throughout his journey, We Are Footprint provided structured and ongoing support, including:
- Pre-start preparation for the construction industry
- Site-readiness and compliance co-ordination
- Regular welfare check-ins
- Ongoing communication with site management
- Confidence-building and progression conversations
Describing the impact of this support, he said,
“I feel I have been supported really well by We Are Footprint. The regular check ins to make sure I’m OK mean a lot. I also feel that they do a lot to make sure I stay in work and make sure I’m happy where I am.”
Those consistent check-ins – even when things are going well – play a vital role in maintaining wellbeing, stability, and confidence. Since returning to consistent work, the changes in his life have been significant.
Financially, he now has the freedom to participate fully in his social life without stress. With a consistent income, he is able to save, plan ahead, and look towards the future with optimism rather than uncertainty. The stability of employment has removed the constant worry that once accompanied being out of work, allowing him to feel more relaxed, confident, and positive about where he is heading.
At home, the benefits are shared. Still living with his parents, he is now able to contribute more financially while also enjoying greater independence – something that brings reassurance to his family as well as to himself.
Work has become a genuinely positive space for him. He values the supportive team environment on site, enjoys the active nature of the role, and appreciates the variety that construction offers. The physical aspect of the job keeps him fit and engaged, and the fact that no two days are the same continues to motivate him as he builds momentum in his career.
His progression is also reflected in the feedback from both our internal team and the client.
“Brilliant lad – reliable, friendly, and consistently does a good job. I always receive positive feedback about him, and he never causes me any headaches. He was my first call when Caddick called and I’ll definitely continue to use him for future work.”
– Daryl Hodgson, Divisional Manager at We Are Footprint
“He was recommended to me as a good worker, and that’s exactly what he has proven to be. Heis always on time, works hard, shows initiative, and simply gets on with his daily tasks withoutany fuss. I plan to keep (him) on for the foreseeable future and would have no hesitation inrecommending him to my colleagues for future work.”
– Adam Howarth, Senior Site Manager at Caddick
This level of endorsement speaks not only to his character, but to the value of providing young people with structured opportunity and belief.
Looking ahead, he is clear about his ambitions. He wants to remain in construction and is considering attending college to upskill, broaden his knowledge, and strengthen his CV. His focus has shifted from simply finding work to building a long-term career.
Social Value Outcomes include:
- NEET candidate supported into employment
- Sustained 7+ months in work
- Progression from supply chain programme into Tier 1 contractor
- Improved financial stability and wellbeing
- Ongoing career development ambitions
His journey demonstrates the transformative power of sustainable employment when combined with consistent aftercare, collaboration across the supply chain, and a genuine commitment to doing the right thing.
At We Are Footprint, we are proud to have supported him from uncertainty into stability and we look forward to continuing to support him as he builds a confident and secure future within the construction industry.
