background
Milly came to the New Roots Workshop in November 2023 as our first ever student. She was referred to us by a Pupil Referral Unit and the Inclusion Team as she was not attending school. She was also involved with the Youth Justice Service in Newton Abbot and was experiencing relationship and behavioural challenges at home.
From day one it was obvious that Milly was a polite, friendly and capable young woman with a great sense of humour. We knew she had potential.
support
Milly completed a school year with New Roots, in that time she learned basic bricklaying, carpentry, plastering, dry lining and plumbing skills. We provided Milly with an introduction to the construction industry, this included site visits to live building developments, she soon developed a keen interest in becoming a plant operator! Milly worked incredibly hard and passed her CSCS Labourers card qualification with us, allowing her to secure a work placement.
New Roots was able to work closely with Milly’s school, the Youth Justice Service and her family, mutually supporting each other’s work through what was a very challenging time for Milly. We mentored her throughout the year, offering support when she needed, offering constant careers and further education guidance.
Milly took in several work experience projects out in the community, where she was able to embed her newfound skills. These were in addition to the site visits we organised for her.
On one of these site visits with Vistry Cornwall, she met several members of staff and instantly made an impression, asking all the right questions of Tatiana (Social Value PR & Marketing Co-ordinator) and Nuno (Site Manager). As a result Milly was offered a chance to partake in some work experience with CJL, a local groundworks contractor on the very site she had visited! Her talent, commitment and passion soon shone through; her journey continued!
New Roots Workshop:
“Was your time at New Roots a benefit to your career path into construction?”
Milly
“Absolutely yes, without New Roots I would not have had these chances or the CSCS card”
outcome
Milly was next invited to attend a 3-day pre-apprenticeship assessment through Green Light Safety and Training. She passed this with flying colours and was offered an apprenticeship through Vistry Cornwall with CJL!
She has now secured and started her apprenticeship with CJL! A huge thank you to the team at Vistry and CJL for the opportunity Milly has been given.
New Roots Workshop:
“Did your time with us increase your confidence in your own ability?”
Milly
“Absolutely, it gave me a lot of confidence in myself.”
From Vistry
“Milly is an inspiring testament to her passion for plant machinery and her dedication to personal growth. From the moment I met Milly, it was evident that her enthusiasm for the industry would propel her towards success, making her an ideal candidate for our support.
Milly demonstrated an eagerness to learn and a strong work ethic. Recognising her potential and determination, I worked closely with Milly to provide guidance and assistance in pursuing her career aspirations.
Her positive attitude (despite all the challenges she has endured in the last 24 months) and ability to adapt quickly to new challenges further solidified her as a standout candidate for an apprenticeship.
As Milly embarks on this exciting new chapter, we have high hopes for her future in the industry. We are confident that her drive, passion, and dedication will make her an incredible inspiration for other young women considering entering the field. Milly's journey serves as a shining example of the transformative power of determination and support in realising one's dreams and forging a path towards a fulfilling career.”
Tatiana Fernandez Vistry Cornwall Social Value PR & Marketing Co-ordinator
New Roots Workshop:
“Are you still the face of the New Roots Workshop?”
Milly
“Absolutely, you’ll never get rid of me!”
“I could not have done this without New Roots”
From the New Roots Workshop
At the end of 2024, New Roots Workshop was only a year old, with all start-up businesses trying to do social good, you hope to secure a success story early on. We more than found that with Milly!
Milly has been a pleasure to have around and is the self-appointed face of New Roots, a title she has more than earned!
Within a positive and supportive environment, we were able to help her overcome the significant challenges she has faced. She has turned adversity into opportunity and now has a promising career in front of her, we wish her well.