Shop-fitting work experience gives Jake and Peter a taste of the real works

: Created: 23 October 2020

Jake Hogan and Peter Hindikos, both 17 and from Orpington are currently working towards their carpentry and joinery level 2 qualifications. They jumped at the opportunity to take part in the refurb of a three-story commercial conversion when they were initially asked back in February but because of the outbreak of Covid-19 and ensuing lockdown that followed, the project had to be put on hold until now.

For the past two weeks, Jake and Peter have been busy with a range of different tasks including mist-coating new plaster, priming and undercoating large MDF wall panels, assembling kitchen and bathroom cabinets from flat-packs, levelling and applying fixings to the walls as well as preparing large spaces for new furnishings. They have also been happy to roll up their sleeves and help with the cleaning of areas and carrying materials from floor to floor.

Ewan Buck, Stephen Somerville and Peter Manlay are co-founders of Contingent Works, a brand new start-up that aims to offer local businesses and freelancers shared space for working collaboratively. This means providing private office space, hot desking, meeting and function rooms, phone booths, free coffee and super-fast wifi right in the centre of Bromley town and close to the rail terminal.

Ewan, a professional graphic designer and marketing specialist is Managing Director of the company - himself the product of further education and a much appreciated work experience programme back during the mid-1980s. He said: “We decided to contact our local college to ask about the possibility of enlisting the help of a couple of volunteers earlier this year and we were astonished by the response. The College was more than happy to oblige and picked two of their finest students to come and talk to us within a couple of days. Just as everything was about to get started however, along came lockdown and we had to postpone.

“I’m delighted to say, just six months later and both were as eager and enthusiastic as ever to get started - and they haven’t disappointed us either. They have attended every day, arrived on time, worked tirelessly to complete every task we set them and more. They have been a massive boost to us and we cannot thank them enough. I hope they will take away a very happy and positive experience plus one or two newly acquired skills.”

Jake said: “I speak for both myself and Peter by saying we’ve thoroughly enjoyed our time here. It’s been hard and very physical work but also very beneficial in terms of listening and taking instructions, teamworking, using our initiative and communicating effectively. It’s also provided a good exercise in how to network, showcase what we can do and pick up some very valuable industry contacts along the way.”

Employer Engagement Manager at the College, Nevs McFarlane was delighted to get the project back on track after the coronavirus setback. He said: “It was great to be approached by this fabulous new company who asked us for help in creating what we believe will become the premier work hub for business in the borough of Bromley and beyond. I’m glad that the students who were carefully selected have successfully risen to the challenge and completed everything asked of them with great character and dedication. We are immensely proud of them and the excellent standard of their work.”

Both Jake and Peter aim to specialise in shopfitting in the future and will soon be looking to apply for apprenticeships or move directly into full-time employment.

If you think you have what it takes to become a construction trade professional and would like to build a successful career in the building services and built environment industries, we’d like to hear from you. We have a great range of courses and apprenticeship opportunities to get you started. Join us for one of our Virtual Open Events in November.

Related link: Career Advantage