Course(s): Level 2 Construction and Retrofit, Level 2 Plastering
Training partner: Flower Skills
Yukesh turned his curiosity into qualifications and a new career in construction.
Yukesh’s story:
Yukesh is in a far better place mentally and financially than he was towards the end of 2025. After five years working as a security officer in central London, he was let go – and spent eight difficult months struggling to find new work. Eventually, he knew something had to change.
Seeking new opportunities, Yukesh was encouraged by his coach at GLLaB (Greenwich Local Labour and Business) to consider retraining. At Greenwich Learns, the Royal Borough of Greenwich's adult and community learning service, a wide range of courses for Employability & Work can help get a CV job-ready, teach people how to apply online, prepare them to shine in interviews, and build new vocational skills – from accountancy to construction and more.
“I knew that I didn’t want to do security again, so I thought, I need to get a trade – get a new skill,” Yukesh says. “I picked construction because I was curious, to be honest. And then later on, when I came to study more, the more knowledge I got, I became obsessive.”
He gained an unexpected sense of calm in the work itself. “I found it really therapeutic, working with my hands – when I’m doing stuff like plastering, working with the muck, it helps me forget about any stresses I have.”
After successfully completing a Level 2 Award in Construction and Retrofit and a Level 2 Award in Plastering, Yukesh landed a job at the very company where he trained, Flower Skills. Now he’s set to pass on his knowledge to new students, offering the same encouragement he once received. “I’m going to be teaching people who may be in the same situation I was in – new skills so they can get a new start. I think one of the greatest satisfactions you can get as a human being is by helping others.”
His success didn't stop there. In July 2026, Yukesh won a Learner of the Year Award, nominated by Flower Skills. “From day one, he was focused, committed and determined to succeed in each of the courses he took with us. It was these qualities plus his willingness to help others that led us to nominate him as Learner of the Year,” says Jason Bodimeade, general manager at Flower Skills. Mark Ager, managing director at Flower Skills, adds: “He is now a valued member of staff, working towards a formal teaching qualification while supporting learners of all ages to develop their own skills in construction.”
Overjoyed, Yukesh called his father in Nepal to share the news. “He was so proud of me – he said, ’that’s my boy.’”
Looking back on his journey, Yukesh reflects: “When I was unemployed, I was very stressed about money, and because of that I isolated myself from my friends and family, and really didn’t take care of myself. Starting in construction alleviated all that stress – it feels really great to have a purpose every day. My goal now is just to keep working, keep building my career, and keep learning – because, you know, learning is something that you don’t stop.”
The opportunities ahead are wide open. The construction industry needs more people, and Greenwich Learns offers a way in just as it did for Yukesh – with plenty of room to upskill and specialise once you’re there.
Student: Yukesh Rai
Courses completed:
Level 2 Construction and Retrofit
Level 2 Plastering
Greenwich Learns offers a range of free adult learning courses across the Royal Borough of Greenwich for those interested in starting a career in the construction industry.
Contact one of our partners to see what course would suit you.
Our courses teach construction skills including bricklaying, plastering, tiling, and decorating. You can complete a City & Guilds qualification in health and safety, and your CSCS card, making you fit to work on a construction site. Further training available in Level 2 plastering and retrofitting.
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Our courses can help you start a career within the construction or security industry or gain a workplace first aid qualification. On our construction courses you can complete your CSCS card or complete an award in retrofit. Our SIA training provides everything you need to work as a door supervisor.
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Learn how to succeed at job hunting and plan your career progression. Build confidence in the workplace. Gain skills and qualifications for careers in office admin, civil and public service, education, health and social care, childcare, customer service, accounting, construction or security.
Gain key employability skills. Learn effective job search strategies and techniques to succeed at application and interview. Develop your communication, teamwork, and problem-solving abilities in the workplace. Explore ways to identify your career goals and take steps toward achieving them.
Hearing someone else’s story can inspire you to start your learning journey.
