Dakarai, a motivated young person with a passion for plumbing, embarked on his educational journey at Carshalton College. He gained the necessary theoretical knowledge and technical skills. Despite performing well in his exams, he felt uncertain about applying his knowledge to practical tasks. Recognizing the importance of hands-on experience, Dakarai sought opportunities to enhance his practical skills and build confidence in the field.

Objective:

This case study highlighted how Dakarai's decision to participate in CEO's DIY Plumbing Courses and work alongside Viviene on plumbing jobs has empowered his personal growth. It has improved his practical skills and enhanced his career prospects.

Methods:

To achieve his objectives, Dakarai employed the following strategies:

1. Identifying Mentorship Opportunities: Dakarai discovered CEO's DIY Plumbing Courses, which offered industry practical learning experiences, following attendance at a conference aimed at encouraging and supporting black men to gain roles in key industries, including the construction industry. Recognizing the value of hands-on mentoring, he enrolled in these courses to gain additional practical skills.

2. Securing Sponsorships: Aware of the financial constraints that impeded his access to the courses, Dakarai found unwavering support from CEO. Recognizing his exceptional dedication and potential, the company altruistically embarked on a mission to secure sponsorships from philanthropic entities. This ensured that Dakarai's financial constraints did not hinder his educational aspirations.

3. Attending DIY Plumbing Courses: Dakarai actively participates in CEO's DIY Plumbing courses, which provide learners with practical knowledge and hands-on experience. The courses cover a wide range of plumbing techniques, tools, and problem-solving scenarios.

4. Work Experience with Viviene: Through his participation in CEO's DIY Plumbing courses, Dakarai forged a connection with Viviene, the company director. Impressed by Dakarai's dedication, Viviene has extended him the opportunity to accompany her on plumbing assignments during weekends, purposely sought for him to improve his confidence. This remarkable mentorship opportunity allows Dakarai to gain invaluable insights, practical exposure, and constructive feedback from an industry expert.

5. On-the-Job Learning and Mentoring: While accompanying Viviene on plumbing jobs, Dakarai observes and assists with various tasks, including installations, repairs, and troubleshooting. Viviene provides guidance, mentoring, and constructive feedback, helping Dakarai enhance his practical skills, improve his problem-solving abilities, and build confidence.

Results:

Dakarai's proactive approach and dedication to acquiring practical skills yielded significant results:

1. Increased Practical Confidence: Through CEO's DIY Plumbing courses and working alongside Viviene, Dakarai's confidence in applying theoretical knowledge to practical tasks significantly improved. He became more proficient at using tools, diagnosing plumbing issues, and executing repairs and installations. As a result, Dakarai received his diploma on time.

2. Enhanced Problem-Solving Abilities: By actively engaging in real-world plumbing scenarios, Dakarai developed critical problem-solving skills. He learned to assess situations, identify potential challenges, and implement effective solutions, showcasing his ability to handle complex plumbing tasks with confidence.

3. Expanded Network and Industry Exposure: Dakarai's collaboration with Viviene has provided him with valuable industry connections and exposure. Through their work together, Dakarai has met and interacted with other professionals, expanding his network and gaining insights into the plumbing industry's inner workings.

4. Improved Career Prospects: With an enhanced skill set, increased practical confidence, and a growing network, Dakarai's career prospects in the plumbing industry have significantly improved. He gained an edge.

Viviene continues to support Dakarai, now NEET (not in employment, education or training), as he seeks an apprenticeship in plumbing. Part of Viviene's continued support is helping Dakarai gain a better understanding of self-employment as an alternative route to establishing himself in the industry. Below is an interview with Dakarai prior to him completing college.

Interview with Dakarai following a plumbing job

Interviewer: Thank you for speaking with us, Dakarai. We'd like to ask you a few questions about your experience working with Viviene last Saturday.

Dakarai: It's my pleasure. I'm happy to share my experience.

Interviewer: How did it make you feel when Viv asked you if you wanted to join her last Saturday?

Dakarai: I felt a surge of excitement as I saw it as an excellent opportunity to gain valuable experience and broaden my skills. It also presented a chance for me to experience a different pace and work environment.

Interviewer: Did you have any expectations about the job?

Dakarai: No, I didn't have specific expectations. I'm aware that jobs in this industry can vary greatly, so I approached it with an open mind.

Interviewer: Was it easier or more challenging than expected?

Dakarai: Although the tasks were somewhat repetitive, the overall job was easier than I expected. I had the opportunity to engage in hands-on work, which was rewarding.

Interviewer: How much of the job did you do alone?

Dakarai: I was entrusted with installing an entire radiator by myself, along with other tasks such as connecting and soldering pipes and fittings. I would estimate that I completed approximately 45% of the job independently.

Interviewer: Did you find anything difficult or overwhelming?

Dakarai: Moving swiftly and learning on the go presented some initial challenges. While familiar tasks didn't come to me immediately, I was able to adapt and overcome them.

Interviewer: I understand some problems have occurred. What were these, and how did you cope emotionally?

Dakarai: The main issue we faced was continuous leaks caused by faulty connections. This led to multiple instances of draining the system to rectify the problem, which became quite tedious. Emotionally, I remained focused on resolving the issue and learning from the experience.

Interviewer: I have been told that you do domestic jobs with someone else on Mondays and Fridays. Was this plumbing job different in any way? How would you compare the two experiences?

Dakarai: Indeed, on Mondays and Fridays, my role mainly involves observing and assisting my mentor, occasionally engaging in labour-intensive tasks. In contrast, working with Viviene provided me with more hands-on experience, such as installing my own radiator. It was a unique and rewarding experience compared to my usual routine.

Interviewer: Did you enjoy getting the chance to use the tools? What did you like the most? What did you like the least?

Dakarai: Absolutely! Having the opportunity to work with tools on the job was a refreshing experience. I particularly appreciated Viviene's clear instructions, which facilitated efficient work. I can't think of anything I disliked about the experience.

Interviewer: What, if anything, did you find challenging in the job?

Dakarai: The continuous draining of the system, while necessary, presented a slight challenge. It required careful coordination and added an additional layer of complexity to the task.

Interviewer: Do you think Viviene mentoring you has helped you? If so, in what ways?

Dakarai: Absolutely, Viviene's mentorship has been invaluable. It provided me with an opportunity to refresh my knowledge on installing radiators. In fact, when I referred to the guide at home, it closely mirrored the exact steps I had taken. I've made a mental note to bring it with me on future jobs.

Interviewer: Do you feel more confident now than before Viviene mentored you?

Dakarai: Yes, without a doubt. Prior to Viviene's mentorship, I had only installed appliances a few times. The experience I gained through her guidance has significantly bolstered my confidence in my abilities.

Interviewer: What are your goals when you finish college?

Dakarai: Once I complete college, my goal is to secure an apprenticeship. While I'm not yet sure which specific facet of plumbing I'll pursue, I am open to exploring different opportunities.

Interviewer: What kind of support, if any, do you still need to build a successful plumbing career?

Dakarai: At this stage, I believe I can address most challenges independently. However, I acknowledge that I have room for improvement and personal growth. I am committed to identifying and rectifying any weaknesses on my own while remaining open to learning from experienced professionals in the industry.

Interviewer: Thank you, Dakarai, for sharing your experience and insights with us. We wish you all the best in your plumbing career and future endeavours.

Dakarai: Thank you for the opportunity. It's been a pleasure.

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