Connor’s Work Placement Success with CFM

Connor, a student at Northern Regional College, has gained valuable hands-on experience in the construction sector through a work placement at CFM’s Castledawson Depot, supported by NOW Group.

As part of the college’s Transition to Work course, NOW Group has been supporting students to secure meaningful local work placements in the Magherafelt area. Through a positive and collaborative partnership with CFM, Connor was given the opportunity to explore a range of trade related roles, including joinery, an area of particular interest to him.

The placement highlights the value of partnership working between NOW Group and CFM, creating meaningful opportunities for participants to build confidence, develop practical workplace skills and experience a real working environment.

Throughout his time at CFM, Connor demonstrated an excellent attitude, a strong work ethic and real determination to make the most of the opportunity. Keen to learn and willing to get involved, he approached tasks positively, listened well and continued to develop both his existing skills and new workplace understanding.

Working alongside staff in the Depot Stores, Connor gained valuable practical experience across a range of activities, including stocktaking, assisting with materials and deliveries, building storage units, painting and grounds work.

His enthusiasm and commitment saw him quickly become part of the team, adapting well to the demands of a busy working environment.

As Connor continues on his career journey, the skills, confidence and workplace insight gained during his placement will provide a strong foundation for his next steps. The experience has given him an opportunity to explore his interests further and develop practical skills that he can carry forward into future employment.

NOW Group is delighted to have collaborated with CFM and is grateful for the organisation’s ongoing commitment to creating meaningful opportunities for participants.

Laura Adams, Learning and Development Officer at CFM, said:

“We were delighted to partner with NOW Group to provide Connor with the opportunity to gain practical workplace experience at our Castledawson Depot. At CFM, we recognise the importance of working collaboratively with organisations like NOW Group to create meaningful opportunities that help young people develop their skills, build confidence and experience a real working environment. 

Connor quickly became part of the team and brought great enthusiasm to his placement. Working alongside Sammy in our Castledawson stores and yard, he embraced the opportunity to get involved in a variety of practical tasks and gain valuable hands-on experience of a busy working environment. Connor got involved in a range of practical tasks, from stocktaking and assisting with materials and deliveries to building storage units, painting and grounds work. 

Connor adapted very quickly to what can be a fast-moving working environment and fitted seamlessly into the team. 

We are proud to support initiatives like this alongside NOW Group, helping to give young people valuable exposure to the world of work and an opportunity to discover where their skills and interests could take them.  

It has been a pleasure to have Connor as part of the CFM team and to see him make the most of his time with us. Connor approached his placement with real enthusiasm and commitment, and we hope the experience has given him added confidence as he looks to the future. We wish him every success with his next steps and look forward to seeing where his career journey takes him.”

Learn more about how NOW Group can support you into employment: www.nowgroup.org/training-jobs