AN Oldbury teenager has been given the opportunity to establish his construction career after impressing bosses while on work experience.

The willingness and determination of Daniel Williams, aged 17, while he was on his placement with Kier Living led to the regional house builder offering him a bricklaying apprenticeship.

Sandwell Council’s ‘Think Sandwell Area Employment’ team lined up the placement for Daniel - who was looking for some practical work experience after finishing a craft diploma in brickwork at Sandwell College.

Kier is building 29 new homes on the former Princes End Primary School in Tipton, including seven new council homes.

Both Abdul Mozzamdar, Kier Living’s early careers manager, and site manager David Norris thought Daniel had something worth investing in and offered him the apprenticeship which also means he can study for an NVQ level 2 qualification at the same time.

Abdul said: “Daniel joined us on a week's work experience placement organised by Sandwell Council, he did so well that we offered him an additional week which he accepted without hesitation. The sub-contractor partner that he worked with was really impressed with his work ethic and dedication.

"We had already employed the maximum number of apprentices for our Tibbington Terrace project, but as we were so impressed with Daniel we decided to offer him an apprenticeship position with us.”

Daniel said he is “thrilled” at the opportunity he has been given, adding: “This is a brilliant opportunity for me to learn and earn with on the job training.

“I am looking forward to developing my skills and achieving my level 2 and then hopefully my level 3. Looking to the future, I'd like to work in construction management.”

Councillor Paul Moore, cabinet member for economic investment and regeneration, said: “I'd like to congratulate Daniel on his achievement.

“This is yet another success story, where one of our talented young people has made the most of the opportunity given to them and their dedication and hard work has been rewarded – in Daniel's case, an apprenticeship. I hope his story will inspire other people who want to join the industry.

“It's great that our Think Sandwell team are able to work with local firms and developers to create apprenticeship opportunities for Sandwell's young people.”

Anyone wanting more information about apprenticeship opportunities can email enquiries_recruitment@sandwell.gov.uk or call 0121 569 2099, while businesses interested in taking on an apprentice can email think_sandwell@sandwell.gov.uk or call 0121 569 2014.