Ryan Kerslake struggled to find a job despite a degree from Plymouth University in metalwork and glass art.
After several months of being unemployed, Ryan, now 23, decided to move to Portugal to try and find a job there, but he underestimated the language barrier and had to return home. It was then that he felt at a real loss of what to do next. 
“I’m a creative person so when I chose my degree I played to my strengths, knowing that it wouldn’t necessarily make me very employable. When I was proved right I went to Portugal for a few months in the hope of making a life for myself, but I underestimated the language barrier and came back. It was then that I felt at a real loss of what to do. The right opportunities just didn’t seem to exist.
“With no job and no money, I started looking for inspiration online for what to do next and came across The Prince’s Trust. After doing my research, I read about an upcoming Get into Carpentry programme and put myself forward.”
After spending six months unemployed, Ryan, from Bristol, was looking forward to the two-week Get into Carpentry programme, which gives 16-25 year olds the opportunity to use hand tools; gain a Construction Skills Certificate Scheme (CSCS) card; and improve their interview and CV skills, to help them secure jobs when they take their first steps into the industry.
“I’ve always enjoyed making things so I had no doubt I’d like the programme. It was a great opportunity to brush up my skills in the workshop and get to know the technical elements of woodwork.”
The group of young people on the course were tasked with creating a bird box, which used a range of specialist woodwork elements to put the skills they’d acquired into practice. To celebrate their achievements, local employers offering relevant work opportunities were invited to the ‘end of course’ event to see how they’d got on.
“I got chatting to the Belmont Estate’s manager, Mark Titterton, who, at the time, was looking for a woodland assistant to work with him. This caught my attention because, before enrolling on the Get into Carpentry programme, I’d thought about applying to be a woodland manager or a tree surgeon. So, after our chat, I sent off my CV and was given an interview.”
Three young people from the programme were offered an additional two week work experience placement on the Belmont Estate and, almost instantly, the team noticed Ryan’s passion and enthusiasm for the role – and at the end of the trial offered him the permanent role.
“It was such a boost to be picked. Since starting at the end of May, I’ve been making charcoal, processing firewood and maintaining the upkeep of the land. Parts of the job are very technical but there’s so much variation day-to-day it keeps me on my toes; it’s great.
The benefit of Ryan working for a growing business like the Belmont Estate is that as it develops, so can he.
“The great thing is that the team are keen to develop my skills. So much so, they’re going to integrate an apprenticeship opportunity into my job so I can learn more aspects of countryside management. I can’t wait to get started.
“I’d recommend The Prince’s Trust Get into programmes to anyone who needs help finding a starting point in their career. With so many options to choose from, you’ll definitely find the one that’s right for you.”
