Latest news
School children brighten up New Street
May 17, 2012
Local school children have worked hard to brighten up an area of New Street station with their artwork.
New pedestrian link takes shape at New Street
Apr 30, 2012
Engineers working on the redevelopment of Birmingham New Street station lifted in the first sections of the Moor Street link over the weekend.

James Skyrme

Demolition Operative

academy079

"I was on the EAT database and received a call from the employment access team to see if I was interested in this vacancy. At the time, I was on a Future Jobs Fund placement with BCC's housing dept and finished this in June this year, I had no job to go to and was unemployed for 2 months.

I had limited experience in other fields of work, for example admin and retail but I'd done some work in construction since I left school and with the experience I gained on my FJF placement I decided to concentrate on applying for jobs in construction.  I made some job applications but with the competition at such a high level I didn't get anywhere.

I was on Jobseekers Allowance for 2 months after leaving the FJF Placement - I was feeling pretty low and demotivated.

I was signed up with Freshwinds who supported me with my job search after I finished my FJF Placement.  They helped me and registered my details on the Employment Access Team's Database.  Shortly afterwards I got a call for this opportunity and the chance to go on the employability course.

The recruitment process ran pretty well as the employability training and the "Meet the Employer" session prepared me well for the interview.  It really boosted my confidence.

I now have a full time job that I love.  I've been treated really well by Coleman & Co and they've put me through loads of training - I've attended 6 courses so far.  Having the means to support myself has made a real change in my life."