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A graduate who moved from Afghanistan to Liverpool has secured a permanent construction role after gaining experience on an £18.5 million extra care development in Moreton.
Abdul Arian Basir completed a master's degree after relocating to the UK and wanted to build a career in construction. He undertook Construction Skills Certification Scheme card training and a Groundworks and Street Works course through Complete Skills Solutions, as reported by Birkenhead News.
His pathway into the job was supported by Vistry's social value team, which gave him work experience and mentoring opportunities at Alpha Living's Driftwood Gardens site on Pasture Road in Moreton. Abdul worked alongside the Vistry site team and J & P Civil Engineering, where he has now been appointed as Assistant Site Manager.
Abdul also represented Vistry at an English for Speakers of Other Languages Conference in Ellesmere Port, sharing his journey with more than 100 learners.
The development is also providing educational opportunities for local children. Pupils from Eastway Primary School's Council visited Driftwood Gardens to learn about modern construction methods, joining Alpha Living board members and Wirral Council partners to mark the laying of the first bricks and the construction of the steel frame.
Through the build, continual construction training for people across the Liverpool City Region is being provided through Nobody Left Behind, a Birkenhead-based training company which will offer green skills training throughout the build.
Abdul said in a statement: "I can't thank Alpha Living, Complete Skills Solutions, J & P Civil Engineering, Vistry and further partners enough for enabling me to gain on-the-job skills training. I've secured sustainable employment in construction by gaining UK-recognised qualifications and site experience. The mentoring I've had has built my confidence and long-term career prospects."
Sarah Houghton-Grimshaw, Director of Operations at Alpha Living, said: "Abdul's inspirational journey shows the positive impact of collaboration between community partners. With the right training, mentoring and work experience, Abdul has been able to overcome barriers to entering the UK's construction industry."
She also said the company is "proud" to showcase the Driftwood Gardens development and provide opportunities for young people and children.
The Driftwood Gardens scheme will include 80 affordable one and two-bedroom apartments for over 55s designed by Eden Design. Alpha Living, Vistry Merseyside and Cheshire West, Homes England and Liverpool City Region Combined Authority are delivering the development.
