GRAHAM’s CRE8 pre-employment programme continues to demonstrate the life‑changing impact that strong partnerships and tailored, personal wraparound support can have.
Designed to remove barriers to employment and provide real-world experience on live construction sites, CRE8 gives people the chance to rebuild their confidence, open new doors, and take the first steps into long-term careers.
Across the UK, participants are achieving remarkable personal milestones. Here are a few of the latest inspiring journeys made possible by CRE8.
Tyler Sheehan: From Homelessness to Full-Time Employment
When Tyler joined CRE8 in June 2025 on GRAHAM’s Dyecoats project in Leeds, he was experiencing homelessness and living in the Kirkstall Road pods. Referred by St George’s Crypt and Clarion Futures, Tyler embraced the opportunity to gain hands-on site experience.
With continuous support from GRAHAM and partners, Tyler has taken huge steps forward – he has moved out of temporary housing into his own home and progressed from part-time hours to a full-time contract with GRAHAM at Dyecoats.
GRAHAM supported Tyler throughout his time in the pods, but full-time work would have impacted his housing benefits. Once he secured permanent accommodation, the team moved quickly to offer him a full-time role.
Tricia Adams, Community & Social Impact Manager at Latimer by Clarion Housing Group, said:
Stories like this are exactly what we hoped the Kirkstall Road Pods initiative could achieve. Through the support of GRAHAM, Clarion Futures, Leeds City Council, West Yorkshire Combined Authority and St George’s Crypt, this tenant has been able to take an important step forward in rebuilding their life.
His story is a wonderful example of what can happen when organisations come together with a shared purpose – delivering not just new homes, but real opportunities and lasting change for people in the community.
Tyler’s success is a testament to partnership at its very best, and to his own determination to seize the opportunity around him.
Luther Mboungo: Building Confidence, Skills and a New Life in Birmingham
In July 2025, Luther joined CRE8 on the Birmingham Children’s Hospital project. Having previously been in care, he arrived eager to learn and ready to make the most of the placement.
Luther quickly became a valued member of the team, supporting the complex project handover and even assisting the mechanical team.
Inspired by the experience, he enrolled in further education, achieved his Level 3 qualification in welding and secured his own home in Birmingham’s Jewellery Quarter.
Luther describes CRE8 as a turning point:
I had the best time of my life working alongside other trades and gaining great experience. It opened the door for me to continue into further education.
His drive, enthusiasm and positivity have turned a work placement into a foundation for a promising career.
Connor Dyer: CRE8’s First Apprentice Progression
In June 2025, Connor joined CRE8 on the Dyecoats project as a young person Not in Education, Employment, or Training (NEET).
Following his CRE8 placement, Connor was offered a role with GRAHAM’s supply chain partner, Keith Walton Brickwork, where he began his Level 2 Brickwork Apprenticeship at Leeds College of Building in November 2025.
Connor said:
CRE8 gave me an opportunity to gain industry knowledge and join a group of likeminded people looking for pathways into construction. Thanks to the programme, I gained valuable skills, had real-life work experience and met local employers. I’m delighted to be the first CRE8 delegate to progress into an apprenticeship with my host employer.
Connor’s journey highlights CRE8’s mission to spark long-term careers and create sustainable employment.
Spencer Gill: A Fresh Start at 50+
Not all CRE8 participants are young people, some are seeking a second chance later in life.
At over 50 years old, Spencer joined CRE8 on the Emergency Department project at Pilgrim Hospital in November 2024.
Since completing his placement, Spencer has continued working as a general handyman/labourer for GRAHAM on the project.
His story is a powerful example of how age is never a barrier to new opportunities and how CRE8 supports people from all backgrounds to re-enter the workforce with confidence.
Darren Leather, Project Manager at GRAHAM, said:
Spencer had struggled to get back into construction after years out of the industry while being a full-time carer for his wife and supporting his children. By doing CRE8, he was able to get back onsite, and he’s proved himself to be an integral part of our team ever since.
Changing Lives Through Collaboration
These four stories show the real, tangible impact that CRE8 delivers.
CRE8 empowers people to rebuild their lives, develop their skills, and secure a brighter future, while strengthening the communities GRAHAM serves.