At just 19 years old, Omar is already laying the foundations for a brighter future. After joining Connect to Work, he has secured his dream job in construction and taken his first confident steps into a career he has wanted from a young age.
Omar’s interest in construction began early. As a youngster, he often helped his family with building projects, working as a handyman and learning practical skills along the way. Those early experiences made one thing clear – construction was the career path he wanted to follow.
Determined to turn his passion into a profession, Omar went on to college to study bricklaying, carpentry and functional skills. However, keen to gain real-world experience and earn a wage, he left college to pursue paid work in construction.
Facing challenges while looking for work
Like many young people searching for their first job, Omar found the process difficult. Alongside the pressure of finding employment, he was also dealing with health challenges, including significant anxiety and stress.
The uncertainty of job hunting only intensified these feelings, leaving Omar struggling to move forward on his own.
Recognising he needed support, Omar spoke to his work coach at North Kensington Jobcentre Plus. His work coach enrolled him for a Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) card and signposted him to Connect to Work with Seetec.
This marked a turning point, as Connect to Work supports people like Omar to overcome health barriers such as anxiety and stress and progress into sustainable employment.
Feeling listened to and supported
At North Kensington Jobcentre Plus, Omar met Kim, a Seetec employment specialist. From their first meeting, Omar felt genuinely listened to and understood. For the first time in a long while, he began to believe he was on the right path.
Omar’s Connect to Work journey began with building a vocational profile alongside Kim. This gave Omar the space to talk openly about his interests, skills and long-term goals. Using this information, Kim developed a tailored support plan, designed to help Omar identify suitable jobs, rebuild his confidence and take progressive steps towards employment.
Through regular 1:1 meetings in his local community, Kim supported Omar to, complete his CSCS training, create a strong construction CV and begin applying for jobs that matched his ambitions.
The support that Omar has received has the hallmarks of the Individual Placement and Support model (IPS) including; understanding Omar’s individual needs, enabling rapid and targeted job searching and intensive in-work support to help him sustain employment.
A confidence-building opportunity
In December, Kim encouraged Omar to attend the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea (RBKC) Christmas Job Fair. She supported him to approach employers and make meaningful connections – something that would have felt impossible just months earlier.
At the job fair, Omar met Christina, Head of Social Value at Mulalley. While he didn’t quite stand out enough on this first occasion, his confidence had clearly grown. He was learning – and the right opportunity was closer than he realised.
At the same event, Charlie, Seetec Partnership Manager, met with Christina. Together, they agreed that Seetec would support Mulalley to recruit for a local labourer role.
Turning opportunity into success
When the newly brokered opportunity with Mulalley arose, Kim knew it perfectly matched Omar’s career ambitions.
She contacted him straight away and worked closely with him to tailor his CV for the role. With Mulalley committed to hiring locally and the job close to Omar’s home, it was an ideal fit.
Together, they polished his application, which Kim submitted to Charlie. After review, Charlie passed it to Christina, who was impressed. Omar met the criteria and was invited to interview.
Christina later said:
“Charlie was so proactive. Within a few days he sent me Omar’s CV and I was delighted with it, so I moved quickly to arrange an interview.”
With the interview scheduled just before Christmas, Kim went the extra mile during a busy festive period to help Omar practise and prepare. Through Connect to Work, Omar also received wrap-around support with interview-related costs, including travel and clothing – removing practical barriers and allowing him to focus fully on the opportunity.
A new beginning in construction
Omar impressed at interview and was offered the job. He started work as a labourer at Mulalley on 5 January, marking a major milestone in his journey.
Reflecting on the past year, Omar said:
“Last year was a real challenge for me. Looking for work on my own really left me feeling low, and when I met Kim I instantly felt that I was on the right path.”
He added:
“My job brings me opportunities, new skills to learn and the chance to meet new people and build connections. Being a labourer means I can learn about many trades and figure out which one is right for me.”
When asked what advice he would give to others looking for work, Omar said:
“Connect to Work is the best opportunity to have. They are serious about getting you into the right job for you.”
Social value and ongoing support
Kim shared her pride in Omar’s success: “Omar’s journey shows how Connect to Work with Seetec helps people rediscover confidence, rebuild employability skills and succeed – I am so, so proud of him.”
She continues: “After an open and honest conversation, it became clear that unemployment was impacting his mental health. Connect to Work provided timely, targeted support, linking him with employers and supporting his progression into the construction sector.”
For Mulalley, social value is at the heart of everything they do. Creating local jobs for local people is a key part of contracts such as this one with RBKC.
Christina Byrne, Head of Social Value at Mulalley
“Connect to Work is a really effective way for Mulalley to recruit local people. Omar’s story is an excellent example of how Seetec helps businesses like us embrace inclusive recruitment.”
Delighted with Omar’s progress, Christina has already spoken to him about future training and development opportunities. Both Omar and Mulalley continue to receive in-work support from Seetec, helping Omar settle into his role and sustain long-term employment.
Like what you see? To refer yourself or someone you know for Connect to Work support, click here.
