How the Opportunity to Work Changed Welfare Cleaner Ryan Farrell’s Life

In July, Ryan Farrell attended a World of Work careers event for young adults with disabilities, hosted by the Ab Phab Youth Club. This event, designed to provide opportunities for those often marginalised from employment, introduced Ryan to our Social Value Manager, Alison Cormack. Their immediate rapport led to a life-changing opportunity for Ryan as he was offered a role within Jerram Falkus.

Ryan Joins Jerram Falkus as a Welfare Cleaner

Ryan now works as a Welfare Cleaner three days a week at our Roxwell Road site in Barking, where we are working on a regeneration project with Be First. Despite the demanding nature of the site, which is currently undergoing demolition, Ryan has proven to be a valuable team member. He supports Project Manager Mark Conway in ensuring the site’s health and safety standards are maintained while keeping the welfare areas clean and organised.

Ryan’s responsibilities include maintaining the cleanliness of cabins, changing rooms, and toilets, as well as ensuring safety protocols, such as wearing the correct PPE, are followed on site. His attention to detail and enthusiasm for the job have quickly made him an integral part of the team.

Personal Growth Through Employment

Ryan’s positive attitude shines through in everything he does. Since joining us, he has developed new skills, grown in confidence, and established a routine that provides him with a sense of purpose. His increased independence has allowed him to make significant life decisions, pursue new interests, and enjoy greater financial stability.

We’ve equipped Ryan with the required PPE and corporate clothing, making him feel part of the team from day one. As his confidence grows, we are committed to developing a training plan to enhance his qualifications and broaden his future career opportunities.

Supporting Local Residents with Disabilities

As part of our commitment to social value, we actively seek to employ local residents with disabilities. Alison Cormack’s work has highlighted the challenges faced by individuals with learning or hidden disabilities in securing employment. As a result, we have pledged that, for every new site we begin, we will offer employment opportunities to a local resident with a disability.

We are proud to be a Disability Confident Leader, demonstrating our dedication to creating a more inclusive workplace. The Disability Confident scheme helps us attract and retain talented individuals who bring a wealth of skills and a strong work ethic. Through this initiative, we aim to challenge misconceptions about disability and promote a greater understanding of the value of a diverse workforce.

Ryan’s Advice for Others

Ryan is a remarkable example of the difference that the right opportunity can make in a person’s life. When asked what advice he would give to someone in a similar position—looking for work but struggling to find opportunities—his response was simple yet powerful:

“The advice I would give to someone in this position is to try and be positive that something will come up. Never say never! That’s one thing my family always said to me, never ever give up, no matter how hard things get. Something will always come up.”

Ryan’s optimism and perseverance are inspiring. Not only does he have a new job, but he has also secured a place of his own, something he once thought impossible. As the Roxwell Road site becomes busier, Ryan is excited about the possibility of taking on more hours and working with new colleagues. He is especially looking forward to our Christmas party, where he’ll have the chance to meet the wider Jerram Falkus team—a testament to how being part of a community is crucial for personal growth and happiness.

The Impact of Inclusion and Opportunity

Alison Cormack expressed her gratitude for the support provided by Construction Job Shop Broker Frank Notaro and Ab Phab Youth Club. Alison said:

“We are exceedingly grateful for the immense support from Construction Job Shop Broker Frank Notaro, in registering Ryan and helping him get signed up to our preferred employment agency. Ab Phab have also been amazing – running with this idea and creating meaningful work opportunities a reality for their users. Jerram Falkus looks forward to supporting Ryan in his career journey, ensuring that he gains confidence, increases his self-worth and has a meaningful career.”

We believe Ryan’s story highlights the profound impact that offering opportunities to people from marginalised groups can have, not just for the individuals themselves, but for companies as well. It’s a reminder that, with the right support and encouragement, everyone has the potential to succeed.

We are committed to making a difference in the lives of individuals and our communities. Contact us if you want to learn more about how we create inclusive employment opportunities, or if you want to partner with us for your construction projects.

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