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Josh’s story

Youthbuilders’ Stories

Josh's family had drug problems, his mum was diagnosed with cancer and Josh got excluded from school. An unsupportive school left Josh with low self esteem. They told him he wouldn't get far in life, but he proved them wrong.

The Early Years

Josh was brought up in a family that had drugs problems, and this led to him acting up in school and being excluded from most lessons. Being excluded so often meant it was hard for Josh to learn. He was constantly told he would never achieve anything or get a job, leaving him with low self-esteem. Adding to Josh’s troubles growing up, his mum was diagnosed with cancer, something hard for any young person to go through, but especially someone with an unsupportive situation at school.

Before his GCSE’s Josh tried some weekend work in construction, but being so young, he found it to be hard work. Later, Martin Hargreaves of Archcraft Construction took him on full time and sent him to college on an apprenticeship. 

Choosing Construction

Josh attended Bradford College on a level two NVQ City and Guilds bricklaying course. He did well, with his tutor encouraging him to challenge himself by participating in competition bricklaying. Josh entered two competitions, winning the first competition and coming fourth in the second. Josh says that competing improved his standard of work and gave him a chance to meet other young builders like himself, who came from similar backgrounds. This has given Josh a sense of belonging he didn’t have at school.

Because Josh worked for a small construction company, where he was often talking to customers and acting as a representative, he built his communication and teamwork skills. In this role, he learnt to understand and respect other cultures, and found confidence interacting with people.

A Bright Future

Since starting his City and Guilds qualification, Josh has passed both GCSE maths and English. 

Josh’s boss described him as a very reliable and studious young man, who is very focused on his future development. Throughout his qualification, Josh has produced some excellent models. Often achieving distinctions and taking great pride in his work. Josh’s commitment is exemplary; he represented Bradford College at the Guild of Bricklayers Yorkshire section competition in Doncaster. He returned from a holiday in Spain, arriving home at 2.30am with only 3 hours sleep, to travel for over an hour to the competition. Despite this, he still achieved a top four position. 

The future seems very bright for Josh, who despite his past struggles, has worked hard to achieve what he has so far and for whom many opportunities lay ahead.

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