GEOFF
"Learning for Work" Award Winner
After falling on hard times with the loss of his wife to cancer, Geoff initially struggled to find work – but got back on his feet after coming across the RMF Training Academy. Through his strong work ethic and commitment to providing for his family, he was able to make a change in his life and become an inspiration to his six children by undertaking training which resulted in landing a role with HS2 Rail Project in the West Midlands.
“Doing my construction training with RMF was the best decision I ever made.
“After 12 months on Universal Credit, my [DWP] work coach recommended RMF Group’s training courses, and I went from years of struggle to full time work in the space of months, being contracted to HS2 through RMF’s construction division.
“RMF’s training gave me back my self-esteem and confidence that I’d lost after years of no work. I realised how capable I was and what I could achieve thanks to them.
“My children have now seen living proof of what’s possible in life when given the right opportunity. I went from living in a car that I couldn’t always afford fuel for, to long-term work on a fantastic project as a skilled and qualified labourer.
“Thanks to RMF, I have been able to show my children what a good working life is, and create structure in my life, which is all I’ve ever wanted.
"RMF Group went above and beyond to support me and are the reason I stayed in work through all the grief."
“My work in general has inspired me to be active in the community and give back. Whenever I come across homeless people in my day-to-day life, I always make a point to inform them of RMF Group’s training programmes and tell them my story. I know what they’re going through, so I know what can be done. I want to inspire them to go to their work coaches and get off the streets.”
Dara McCarthy, Director of Business Development, Innovation and Social Value at RMF Group said: “Geoff has overcome devastating obstacles during his learning journey but has still earned key qualifications to gain employment in the construction sector – his CSCS Card, CPCS Certifications for Dumper Roller and Banksman, and DAMS certifications.
“Geoff persevered with his training and secured his role with the HS2 project. He has overcome immense adversity that most of the working population will never experience and has managed to stay in employment and maintain a positive outlook throughout. He believed he was able to make a change in his life and is proof that stable and sustainable careers can be created through the RMF Training programme.””