Kai Spencer-Moon has won Apprentice of the Year at L&Q Housing Association’s Creating Places Awards.
He is studying electrical installation and working towards his qualification at College, whilst gaining hands-on site experience with the refurbishment and new build company.
Only a year ago, Moon was unemployed, behind with his rent and in debt. He left school at 15 and after living in several foster homes and supported lodgings, he moved in to accommodation managed by L&Q at the age of 18.
Since leaving school he had struggled to find a job and when living in his own home he found it impossible to pay his bills or even go food shopping.
When United Living and L&Q advertised its pre-employment programme ‘United in to Construction’, which offered L&Q residents the chance of an apprenticeship, he grasped the opportunity with both hands and saw it as his chance to turn his life around.
Making progress
Following an interview process he completed the eight week pre-employment programme, scoring extremely high in his Skills for Learning and Employability (SLE) test, surprising even the examiner with one of the highest scores he has ever seen. A huge achievement for someone who left school without any qualifications.
He showed his dedication and maturity by remaining punctual, enthusiastic and focussed throughout the programme. He has carried this through to his apprenticeship and has just successfully completed his first year.
A great asset
United Living Director Daren Mosely, said: “Kai is a great asset to our on-site team at United Living and he thoroughly deserves the recognition that this award brings.
“He’s done exceptionally well and even more so when considering his difficult personal circumstances prior to joining this training scheme. We’re absolutely delighted for him.”
Speaking about his apprenticeship, Moon said, “For the first time in my life, I’m proud of myself. I don’t think my friends thought I could do it, but I have. I just needed the opportunity to prove it to everyone, to prove it to myself.”
