CLEARWELL teenager Andrew Jones is getting a taste of the construction industry through a work experience opportunity created by Two Rivers Housing.

Andrew was one of the first people to take up an offer of work experience and has been working for the nationwide maintenance and construction company, United Living.

Two Rivers Housing has a history of supporting young people into work through apprenticeships and wanted to extend this by working with its external contractors.

The offer was open to 18- to 24-year-olds who wanted to experience any aspect of the building trade, including trades, management or administration, or all three – to see if it could be the potential career move for them.

Andrew Jones left Gloucestershire College in the summer and was looking for his next step. Two Rivers arranged for the 18-year-old to join the team at United Living’s Mitcheldean depot where he has been able to sample a range of trades as well as gain experience of office and stores work.

Andrew said: “I wanted to try lots of new things and get as much as I could from the experience. It’s been interesting to see the trades and I’ve enjoyed being able to help out in the office as well.”

Andrew Smith, customer relationship co-ordinator at Two Rivers Housing, who arranged the work experience said: “We were keen to give Andrew a good introduction to the construction industry and hopefully he will learn enough to make some decisions about his future based on some real experience.”

Richard Baker, business unit director (Midlands) at United Living said: “As a leading national contractor we recognise the importance of investing in the skills of our future generations in local communities, which is why we’re always happy to help people like Andrew to progress to the next level.”

The work experience offer at Two Rivers Housing remains open.

Anyone who would like to find out more should email workexperience@

2rh.org.uk .