The First 100 exhibition, hosted in Surrey Quays Shopping Centre earlier this year, celebrated some of the first 100 local people who’ve been supported into long-term jobs on the Canada Water development. Canada Water Connect, a partnership between British Land and charity ELBA, have been busy linking up businesses with great local talent and connecting Southwark residents to life-changing employment. The words and pictures in this exhibition brought the results of this work to life.

Featured roles range from hands-on construction to receptionists and project managers. Striking portraits of these people in their working environments were displayed alongside their personal stories, with the workers sharing in their own words how they got to where they are today.

Here, we take a look at five more of these people and hear what they have to say about the roles they’re fulfilling on the development.

Brian
Trainee Bricklayer, City Brickwork

Brian had always wanted to be a bricklayer. Canada Water Connect put him in touch with the opportunity at City Brickwork and now he’s on the path to get his certification.

“Canada Water Connect does everything possible to help you get into what you want to do,” he says. “Their team were always available and helpful, guiding me in what skills are needed for my particular trade.

“I took part in an employment skills workshop, which included site tours and visits to different employers and subcontractors. That’s how I found this job.

“Everything about my job is good. You feel proud when you walk past a structure you’ve built and think ‘I did that’ and when people compliment it. You’re also learning something new, finding out how structures are put together.”

Thiago
Cleaning operative, Principle Cleaning

As an operative at employee-owned business Principle Cleaning, Thiago helps keep the development clean and tidy. He’s pictured here with supervisor Araci.
“I love the whole environment at my work and the people,” he says. “I feel an important part of the Canada Water project and hope to grow with the company.”

Jordan
Senior Account Manager, EQ Communications

Since joining EQ Communications, the local communications agency working on the Canada Water development, Jordan has grown as a person and learnt a lot about himself, the industry and Canada Water. No two days are the same in a role that encompasses everything from liaising with local media to keep local people informed of what’s happening on the development, to delivering workshops at Redriff Primary School on behalf of the Canada Water team.

“I love engaging with the community and seeing how good engagement with local people can make the difference in building a development that caters to different walks of life,” he says.

“I recently enjoyed working with Redriff Primary School students and the Rotherhithe and Bermondsey History Society on a street-naming video that brought together months of hard work. Working alongside Canada Water Connect, I encourage people to get in touch with them about the support they can offer with finding appropriate work. They’re knowledgeable, helpful, caring and genuinely want to help local people get on in life. “Having lived in Rotherhithe for two and a half years, I understand why people refer to it as a ‘hidden gem’ in London – with special credit to Russia Dock Woodlands, Southwark Park and Surrey Docks Farm! I hope to continue challenging myself, learning, advancing in my career and seeing the progress being made at Canada Water.”

Stephen
General Operative, Erith Group

Erith Group are the contractors who handle Zone G of the Canada Water development, where we’re building the site of the new Tesco superstore. Stephen’s role is a vital one in keeping the construction works running smoothly, with tasks ranging from moving building materials to keeping the site clean and tidy,

Canada Water Connect supported Stephen to get his Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) card and helped him find his first job. He says: “They’re a great team and they connected me with an employer in my local area, in my community, which I was really chuffed about. An extra plus is that I get to walk to work!

“For anyone living in Southwark, who is looking for work and hasn’t tried Canada Water Connect, I’d advise you to get involved. It’s a very good tool for people living in the community, connecting us with employment and training opportunities locally. There’s a lot happening with the Canada Water Masterplan. Looking forward, I’m hoping to go even bigger with Erith Group, doing more projects and continuing to advance.”

Kingsley
Painter and Decorator, Cousins Group

“I always wanted to do painting and decorating but didn’t know where to start, until Canada Water Connect supported me,” says Kingsley.

“I love this job because I have a passion for colours, so I enjoy every day at work. As a local, Canada Water Connect really helps you in getting a good job, fast. They gave me useful information and placed me on a training programme to hone my employability skills. When they supported me to work professionally as a painter and decorator, I was excited and quickly clicked into it. I like seeing things looking new, especially when I’ve done it myself. That gives me an inner energy to do even more.

One day, I want to be at management level. I’ve always had leadership traits in me and I hope to climb that leadership ladder.”

The Canada Water development is creating job opportunities for local people at all levels and across many different sectors. To find out more, visit www.canadawater.co.uk/jobs