Local resident, Hamza Sharif is now a qualified plumber and in full employment following contact with the council’s Job Shop.

Hamza had always wanted to be a plumber and first approached the Job Shop aged 15, but as he was too young, he was signposted to the Technical Skills Academy where he completed a Level 1 in Plumbing. 

On completion, he went back to the Job Shop where staff helped him create a CV, mock tested for his CSCS exam which he passed and obtained his CSCS card. He was then encouraged by the staff to take on unpaid work experience with Lovells Construction while studying for his Level 2 in Plumbing at the Barking and Dagenham College.

The Job Shop set up an interview for Hamza with K10, an apprentice training agency who placed him with the Barking Riverside project. He has since gained his NVQ2 in Plumbing and a blue skilled worker CSCS card.

Hamza said: “I was with K10 for a year and a half and I am now working with another company as a fully qualified plumber. The support from the Job Shop was great and I have achieved so much, thank you.”

Councillor Sade Bright, Cabinet Member for Employment, Skills and Aspiration, said: “It's great to see our residents taking advantage of the help and support available from our Job Shop and use it to kick start their careers. In the last year we’ve helped over 950 residents get into employment and we’re not stopping there. We welcome anyone who requires our help to kickstart their career into any of our job shops.”

Residents who they will benefit from Construction related Job Shop support should visit any of our Job Shops or email: Construction@LBBD.gov.uk