From Homelessness to Hope: How Built to Last Helped Gerald Rebuild His Future

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When Gerald Balding joined the Built to Last programme, he was facing one of life’s toughest challenges — homelessness. After years of unpredictable agency shifts in warehousing, he wanted more than just temporary work; he wanted a future.

That’s when he found the Built to Last programme, a CITB-funded initiative delivered by Construction Skills People under the ECO25 contract. The programme is designed to help employers bring new talent into the construction industry, while offering individuals the support and skills they need to thrive.

Gerald began his journey at the Nottingham Skills Academy, where he obtained his CSCS card (funded by the Construction Skills People) before enrolling on the Department for Education’s Green Construction Operative Skills Bootcamp, specialising in bricklaying.

From the start, the Built to Last  team identified areas where Gerald could benefit from extra support, including communication skills, financial management, and understanding self-employment. With regular mentoring and mental health awareness guidance, Gerald quickly grew in confidence and capability.

Just three months in, he had secured sustainable employment in construction and was thriving in his new role. Six months later, he’d built a structured working week, learned to manage his schedule independently, and was supporting others on site with mental health awareness.

Today, Gerald stands as a powerful example of what’s possible when tailored support meets determination. His journey captures exactly what Built to Last stands for, helping people overcome barriers, develop new skills, and build lasting careers.

From facing homelessness to managing a sustainable construction career, Gerald’s journey shows how resilience, support, and opportunity can truly transform a life.

Built to Last. Building people. Building futures.

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