Posted on 26 July 2024
The future is looking bright for our ex Kickstarter Vish, thanks to social value partnership
Vish joined Hyde as part of our Kickstart programme in 2022 – a government scheme creating jobs for young people at risk of long term unemployment. He worked as a Housing Assistant in the PFI Islington team, and while at Hyde he received dedicated one to one support to help him with his career progression.
Vish is now in his second year at the University of Reading, studying Quantity Surveying.
As part of his degree programme, Vish had tried to secure an industrial 12 month placement, but had been finding this difficult. So, in April, after several knock backs, he approached Hyde Foundation Projects and Partnerships Manager, Taseef Younas, who he’d worked with at Hyde.
Taseef immediately knew who to discuss this with – Hyde’s Social Value Manager, Chichi Onyenemelu.
After uploading the request onto Match My Project – our social value matching platform, Taseef then spoke Chichi. Chichi reviewed the request and it was subsequently approved by the social value panel. Following the panel’s approval, she then raised this opportunity with our supply-chain partners she thought would fit the bill. This was also done via Match My Project, and Chichi then helped facilitate interviews with Vish, for the partners who expressed an interest.
Three shortlisted Vish for interview and he was then in the lucky position of being offered two placements. Vish decided to accept the role of Quantity Surveying Intern with chartered surveyor and construction consultants, Martin Arnold Ltd. Vish was delighted as this is a company he would like to work for in the future, and he started his role with them in July.
Stephen Mitchell, Director at Martin Arnold, said:
“With our long history in providing apprenticeships, training programmes and mentorships, we equip staff with the skills and knowledge needed to thrive. Vish, our new trainee quantity surveyor, demonstrates the qualities we look for in our team members; with a keen interest in the field, a proactive attitude, and a willingness to learn and grow.
“By investing in our trainees’ development, we ensure that we remain at the forefront of the industry, driving positive change and setting new standards.”
Vish said:
"I'm deeply grateful to Hyde and Martin Arnold; the experience I've already gained has been invaluable. I'm also grateful and appreciative to my lecturers from the University of Reading, who have dedicated their careers to educating the future of the built environment with the environment as a priority. A heartfelt thank you to my family and friends, especially my grandma and my parents, who have continuously been there for me.
“I’m looking forward to my year-long placement and returning to university to finish my final year. After that, my goal is to become a chartered quantity surveyor with RICS."
Well done Vish. We’re so pleased that our supply chain partner was able to offer you an industrial placement, so you can gain practical skills and knowledge in the industry you wish to pursue.
Find out more about Match My Project.