Image: Kam Cholia and Harjinder Atti
Mates Build Bright Future
A trainee bricklayer helped his friend lay a firm foundation in construction after recommending a training scheme.
Kam Cholia from Tividale, took up the recommend-a-friend campaign launched by the LA-Life programme.
Set up by Connexions Black Country and the Learning and Skills Council, LA-Life provides free learning opportunities and specialist support to 16 and 17-year olds who are in work but not receiving any kind of training.
Now Kam and Harjinder Atti, from West Bromwich, who is now 18 also, are both learning bricklaying.
The friends attend A4e training, based in Kenrick Way, West Bromwich.
Kam said: "I couldn't have done this course without the LA-Life programme. I want to get an apprenticeship and work towards opening my own bricklaying business in the future.
"I saw the recommend-a-friend scheme and told Harjinder about the course. Now he's doing the same and I got some store vouchers as a thank-you for recommending him."
Harjinder Atti, added, "I wanted to try something different as I did well in my GCSEs but didn't do well in my A-levels.
"The LA-Life programme has made a difference as it's better for me. I can get on with work as it is all practical so I enjoy it. I am building my portfolio and will get a certificate at the end of the course. It's a good trade to get into. I hope to do an apprenticeship in electrical insulation."
Jade Garbett, outreach worker for A4e, said: "Kam and Harjinder are interested and enthusiastic. The LA-Life programme is good as young people are already employed and are more motivated to get training.
"We would recommend LA-Life to other employers as it is flexible for both the young people and employer."
LA-Life is one of eight Learning Agreement Pilots (LAP) running nationally. It is a joint initiative between Black Country Learning and Skills Council and Connexions Black Country.
The pilot aims to equip young people with the skills and ability they need to do their jobs better and to help them achieve their lifestyle aspirations.
To find out more about LA- Life and the range of free training available in the Black Country call 0800 633 5780, visit www.la-life.co.uk or text LALIFE to 60999.
