Ammar Hussein, a Syrian-refugee has taken the opportunity to make a career for himself in the construction industry at Ring Stones Maintenance and Construction, part of The Calico Group, which supported his move to the UK.

From a part of the world facing a huge amount of conflict, Ammar and his family sought to be refugees in England to create a positive and safe life.

Ammar now has the opportunity to create a promising career at Ring Stones Maintenance and Construction and be self-sufficient for himself and his family.

Working alongside the Home Office and Lancashire County Council, Calico Homes’ Floating Support department ensure families settle in the area and support with integration, education, plus help and advice to be ready for employment before Calico Careers find job openings for individuals.

Ammar and his family moved to the UK in 2016 from Syria and Ammar landed the opportunity to have a week’s work experience at Ring Stones prior to applying for his current role.

As a plasterer by trade in Syria, Ammar showed incredible willing to engage with the workforce, practise his skills and apply his knowledge on his work experience, this led him to apply for the job role of; General Operative at Ring Stones.

Applying for his position at Ring Stones regardless of only speaking partial English, Ammar took a translator to his interviews to ensure he had the ability to understand and accurately express himself to his interviewees. Ammar was offered the position on his own merit and will have regular wellbeing meetings to ensure he is settling in, learning effectively and enhancing his skills and English.

Ammar Hussein, 33, said; “It’s a great opportunity that I have been given to work at Ring Stones Maintenance and Construction. It is a job that is a new challenge for me as well as learning and enhancing my English speaking on site with my new colleagues.”

As a general operative he will be working on the Ring Stones and Calico Homes’ development Brunshaw Maisonettes, assisting with the general clean up, keeping the site safe and tidy and helping his colleagues with soft strip demo tasks. He’ll also be working on up-skilling his plastering to English construction standards from the help of his colleagues.

Brunshaw Maisonettes is a refurbishment project, converting empty shops and homes into 10 one-bedroom bungalows and 10 two-bed flats complete with en-suites. This project is set to be complete in spring 2019.

Andrew Herbert, Head of Regeneration and Ammar’s Line Manager at Ring Stones, said; “Ammar really impressed me on his work placement week, he has a great work ethic and gets on well with the other operatives on site.

“He got his job off his own merit and it’s clear to see how beneficial a full-time and stable term of employment will be for Ammar and his family, and this is something I would like to help and support similar individuals that are interested in construction in the future if the opportunity is there.”

Career progression and succession planning is something that Ring Stones pride themselves on with 68 individuals taking part in training courses over the last year* and over 300 days of career development courses  completed such as, Artisan Trade qualifications, HNC courses in construction, Asbestos Awareness and working together sessions.

James Macaree, Director of Ring Stones Maintenance and Construction said; “It’s really great to have the opportunity to work collaboratively with other parts of The Calico Group and carry on the journey of another team’s hard work. At Ring Stones we’re always striving to create a positive work environment and we’re keen to ensure Ammar feels welcome and a part of the Group.”

For more information on Ring Stones Maintenance and Construction please visit www.ringstones.co.uk

If you or someone you know is interested in a career at The Calico Group, please visit www.calicojobs.co.uk to see what opportunities are available.