A Fresh Start and a Sense of Belonging
For Rick, joining Foundations for Life meant regaining stability.
“It was a new start in life,” he explained. “From being unemployed to earning a full-time wage – it gives stability for your family. That means a lot.”
Daryl echoed this, emphasising the significance of being trusted with a second chance:
“I never thought I’d be given this chance coming out of prison. But I feel like I’m going somewhere here.”
Pathways Through Training and Support
Both Rick and Daryl joined Howard Civil Engineering through Construction Skills People, an organisation that helps jobseekers secure the qualifications they need, with tickets awarded for each completed training module. Rick was referred via his work coach at the Job Centre, while Daryl was encouraged by his probation officer.
The training boot camp proved to be a critical stepping stone. Rick gained his Gateman ticket, while Daryl secured his Health & Safety certification, CSCS card, dumper and traffic management qualifications.
“If it wasn’t for the course, I wouldn’t be here,” Daryl admitted.
After completing their training, Rick and Daryl quickly found themselves embedded in site life at Howard Civil Engineering, taking up roles at one of our largest projects: the Skelton Infrastructure & Earthworks in Leeds.
Life on Site
The most striking part of their journey has been the warm welcome and camaraderie they have discovered on site.
Rick described the culture as “unreal,” adding:
“Every single person on site is helpful, which is rare. Everyone’s friendly, they have a laugh but, at the end of the day, they’re professional and know exactly what they’re doing. People are there to guide you and show you what needs to be done, but you’re not micromanaged – once you’re on site, you crack on and do your thing. It’s all very professional and well organised.”
Daryl, who has thrived both physically and socially since joining, agreed:
“It’s the best site I’ve ever been on. Everyone is here to help. Being here has done me good. It’s brought me out of my shell and I’ve lost a lot of weight, doing my twenty thousand steps a day. I’ve also started swimming.”
Their efforts have already been recognised, with both receiving positive feedback from colleagues and managers. Their proactivity and desire for progression have been exemplary.
Growth, Inspiration and Future Goals
Being part of a professional, supportive team has given both Rick and Daryl fresh ambitions. Rick has been inspired by the skill and expertise of experienced colleagues:
“I’ve been impressed with how good Howard’s people are at their jobs. There are people driving machines that have been doing it thirty-odd years. They’re really good operators – I’ve seen some moves in these 360 excavators that have been unbelievable! It’s something that you look up to as something you could do yourself. It makes you want to learn from these guys and get the next ticket.”
Both now have their eyes set on building further skills. Rick is aiming for roller, 360 and bulldozer tickets, while Daryl is determined to take it “one ticket at a time” and progress as far as he can within the company.
Words of Advice
Looking back at where they started, both men are keen to encourage others who may be facing similar challenges. Rick’s message is one of perseverance:
“Don’t get disheartened. Stick at it. If you want to change your life, just go for it.”
Daryl, meanwhile, stressed the importance of honesty for prison leavers looking to turn the page to a new chapter:
“Don’t be nervous. Just be honest. I could have told lies in my interview, but I was upfront and it’s worked out.”
Building Futures for All
Foundations for Life has provided a welcome opportunity for Rick and Daryl, but the programme has also benefited Howard Civil Engineering as an employer, recruiting two outstanding individuals with a passion for the industry and a dedication to our mission of quality-led delivery.
Ewan Mason, Recruitment Manager at Howard Civil Engineering, was full of praise for their efforts and the value of Foundations for Life in supporting the construction workforce. Ewan said:
“Rick and Daryl are shining examples of what can be achieved when an employer believes in and invests in people who have been through challenging times but have a hunger to change things for the better. Connecting them with training programmes like Construction Skills People provides the foothold that they need to establish a career in construction. The industry is facing its own challenges with significant skills shortages, but programmes like Foundations for Life enable employers to nurture talent and realise potential which would otherwise remain untapped. Howard Civil Engineering are very grateful to have Rick and Daryl in our site teams and we are very excited to see their continued progression in the coming years.”
