Not in education, training or employment, Kai, 18, wasn’t sure what he’d do next when he started our Building Brighter Futures course at the end of last year. An eight week employability programme, the course supports young people to gain employability focused SQA skills and qualifications, certified manual handling training, their CSCS card, practical learning and training in a wood workshop, and one-to-one employability support and planning for next steps.

After successfully completing the course, Kai secured a job in our Move On Wood Recycling workshop as a Trainee Development Worker. He now has a hands on role collecting waste wood from across Edinburgh and the Lothians, stripping wood to be sold as quality timber, and helping customers in our wood shop. Working closely with other staff and volunteers, Kai is also learning how to upcycle wood into furniture and other items.

Never afraid to roll up his sleeves and get stuck in, Kai says he “enjoys the hands on activities, being around other people and learning new skills, like using wood working tools. Working here also increases my confidence. It’s a great experience.”