Whizz Kidz

Working with Whizz-Kidz

Dan Platt with members of Mercia Sales team and Sales Director David Wilson

In our Summer 2016 issue, we reported on our Mercia Division’s work with Whizz-Kidz, a charity that provides mobility equipment to disabled young people. As part of a trial to offer work placements to young wheelchair users, 16 year old Jack Ebanks spent two weeks working as part of the Technical Team at the Division. Mercia has since welcomed a second student, Dan Platt, who was thrilled with his opportunity to work with the Sales team. Jane Newbold, PA to the MD, said, “We have really enjoyed the experience we can provide these young people and I believe if every Division took part, we could offer 27 young people a placement, which would be fantastic”.

The West Midlands Division has also taken part, offering 19-year-old Bradley Beaumont a five week placement with their Land and Technical teams. Bradley is currently studying for qualifications in ICT and carpentry at college, hoping to go on to be a site manager in the future. We spoke to Bradley, as well as Lee Perry, Technical Director, about his time at the Division.

Bradley (front right) and members of West Midlands Land and Technical Teams, Land Director Richard Miller and Technical Director Lee Perry

Foundations: How did you get involved with Whizz-Kidz, Bradley? Bradley: I got involved with them when I had my first wheelchair from them. I saw posts on Facebook and different activities/groups and I commented saying the different things looked good fun. One of the organisers then contacted me to get involved. I’ve been a part of Whizz-Kidz for just under a year and really enjoy my time with them. Foundations: Why were you interested in a work placement with us? Bradley: I was interested because of what I do at College (Level 2 Carpentry). Barratt was a good placement as you can see what happens in the background of housebuilding and it gave me a good insight into things like Planning. For what I would like to do as a career (Site Manager) it was a good first step. Foundations: What did you do during the five weeks in the division? Bradley: Residual land valuations of sites, technical layout drawings, reviewed current layouts and reviewed current accessible/wheelchair user houses, suggesting ways to improve the layout. Foundations: What have you learnt from the work experience? Bradley: I have learnt about housing layouts and how they are put together to form a whole layout. I’ve also learnt how you calculate the value of houses and sites.

Foundations: Bradley - would you recommend a placement like this to others? Bradley: Yes I would, but I would say that the person looking to do a placement would have to be interested in a career in this industry to fully enjoy it. I’ve enjoyed all of my time here and wouldn’t change anything. Foundations: Bradley clearly learned a lot from his time with you. Did you learn anything from him? Lee: Yes, Bradley has a great attitude, which has made working with him a pleasure. He is very focused and doesn’t let anything get in his way. He also made us re-think about access around a property a little more. Foundations: You’ve spoken very positively about the work placement. From your point of view, would your division do it again? Lee: Yes, I would be happy to offer another placement.